About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Buffalo. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridgelines of Virginia and Pennsylvania in the early-to-mid flight, offering distant views of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny highlands before the terrain flattens into the Lake Erie plain.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily uses runways 18C/36C and 18L/36L. Departing northbound (runway 36), the left side faces west and northwest, giving views over the Charlotte city skyline and the Catawba River corridor. The right side looks east over suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Charlotte city skyline, Catawba River/Lake Norman to the northwest, uptown Charlotte's banking district towers.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Buffalo Niagara typically uses runway 23 for arrivals from the south, meaning the aircraft approaches from the southeast. The left side faces south and southwest, putting Lake Erie and the Niagara River corridor directly in view, along with the Canadian shoreline. The right side looks north over suburban Buffalo with less dramatic geography. Notable sights include: Lake Erie southern shoreline, Niagara River corridor, downtown Buffalo waterfront, Grand Island in the Niagara River.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Buffalo?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Charlotte to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Virginia Piedmont, crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley in southern Virginia, then over the Allegheny Plateau of central Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna River is crossed in central Pennsylvania. As the flight descends toward Buffalo, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Lake Erie lowlands and the southern edge of the Great Lakes basin becomes visible.