The right side wins at takeoff for the Charlotte skyline, but the left side dominates the majority of the flight with the Atlantic coastline crossing over the Carolinas, the open ocean transit, and the spectacular Bahamian shallow-water approach into GGT. The Exuma arrival alone makes left the better overall seat.
Flown CLT to GGT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charlotte to Great Exuma is 860 miles (1,385 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast over the South Carolina Piedmont, crosses the coastal plain near Myrtle Beach or the Grand Strand area, then crosses the Atlantic coast over the Carolina Outer Banks or South Carolina coast. The Gulf Stream crossing is visible as a distinct color change in the ocean — darker indigo blue against the lighter Atlantic. The shallow Bahama Banks appear as a dramatic turquoise expanse as the aircraft descends, with the Great Bahama Bank's sandy bottom visible through the water from cruise altitude on clear days.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
RIGHTCLT's primary departure runway 18C/36C runs north-south. Southbound departures on 18C give the right side a view over uptown Charlotte's skyline as the aircraft banks southeast toward the Bahamas. The left side faces west toward undistinguished suburban sprawl.
Landing at GGT
LEFTGGT's runway 04/22 means arrivals typically come in from the northwest on runway 22, tracking southeast. The left side gets the best view of the turquoise Exuma Sound, the chain of cays stretching north, and the shallow Bahama Banks. The right side looks inland over scrub and salt flats.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Exuma International (GGT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Great Exuma. The right side wins at takeoff for the Charlotte skyline, but the left side dominates the majority of the flight with the Atlantic coastline crossing over the Carolinas, the open ocean transit, and the spectacular Bahamian shallow-water approach into GGT. The Exuma arrival alone makes left the better overall seat.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Right side for the best views. CLT's primary departure runway 18C/36C runs north-south. Southbound departures on 18C give the right side a view over uptown Charlotte's skyline as the aircraft banks southeast toward the Bahamas. The left side faces west toward undistinguished suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the north (visible during initial climb), Lake Wylie to the southwest, I-85/I-77 interchange corridor.
What can I see when landing at Exuma International in Great Exuma?
When landing at Exuma International (GGT), sit on the Left side for the best views. GGT's runway 04/22 means arrivals typically come in from the northwest on runway 22, tracking southeast. The left side gets the best view of the turquoise Exuma Sound, the chain of cays stretching north, and the shallow Bahama Banks. The right side looks inland over scrub and salt flats. Notable sights include: Exuma Sound (deep blue water), Great Exuma island coastline, the Exuma Cays chain extending northward, Elizabeth Harbour near George Town.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Great Exuma?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Exuma International (GGT) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 860 miles (1,385 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charlotte to Great Exuma flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the South Carolina Piedmont, crosses the coastal plain near Myrtle Beach or the Grand Strand area, then crosses the Atlantic coast over the Carolina Outer Banks or South Carolina coast. The Gulf Stream crossing is visible as a distinct color change in the ocean — darker indigo blue against the lighter Atlantic. The shallow Bahama Banks appear as a dramatic turquoise expanse as the aircraft descends, with the Great Bahama Bank's sandy bottom visible through the water from cruise altitude on clear days.