Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise the left side also faces slightly more toward the southern coast of Newfoundland and the Azores latitude corridor, though at 35,000 feet over open ocean neither side has a meaningful advantage mid-flight.
Flown CLT to MAD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charlotte to Madrid is 4,098 miles (6,596 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the Carolinas and Virginia, crosses the Mid-Atlantic coast near the Outer Banks or Delaware Bay, then heads over the North Atlantic on a great-circle route passing south of Newfoundland and well north of the Azores. The route crosses into European airspace over northern Portugal or northwestern Spain, passing over the Meseta Central plateau before descending into Madrid. The Sierra de Guadarrama is the last significant terrain feature before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
LEFTCLT's primary departure runways 18C/18L/18R head south, meaning a left-seat passenger faces east toward uptown Charlotte's skyline during the initial climb and turn. As the aircraft banks northeast toward the Atlantic, the left side picks up the Piedmont landscape and the distant Blue Ridge foothills.
Landing at MAD
LEFTMadrid Barajas typically uses runways 32L/32R for arrivals from the west, meaning aircraft approach from the southeast over the city. A left-seat passenger gets a direct view over central Madrid — the Retiro Park, the Manzanares River, and the Sierra de Guadarrama range to the northwest are all on the left side during the descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Madrid. Left side wins both ends of the flight. During the transatlantic cruise the left side also faces slightly more toward the southern coast of Newfoundland and the Azores latitude corridor, though at 35,000 feet over open ocean neither side has a meaningful advantage mid-flight.
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. CLT's primary departure runways 18C/18L/18R head south, meaning a left-seat passenger faces east toward uptown Charlotte's skyline during the initial climb and turn. As the aircraft banks northeast toward the Atlantic, the left side picks up the Piedmont landscape and the distant Blue Ridge foothills. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the northwest, Catawba River corridor, Blue Ridge foothills on the eastern horizon.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Madrid Barajas typically uses runways 32L/32R for arrivals from the west, meaning aircraft approach from the southeast over the city. A left-seat passenger gets a direct view over central Madrid — the Retiro Park, the Manzanares River, and the Sierra de Guadarrama range to the northwest are all on the left side during the descent. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped in winter), Retiro Park, Manzanares River, central Madrid urban grid.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Madrid?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Barajas (MAD) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,098 miles (6,596 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charlotte to Madrid flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Carolinas and Virginia, crosses the Mid-Atlantic coast near the Outer Banks or Delaware Bay, then heads over the North Atlantic on a great-circle route passing south of Newfoundland and well north of the Azores. The route crosses into European airspace over northern Portugal or northwestern Spain, passing over the Meseta Central plateau before descending into Madrid. The Sierra de Guadarrama is the last significant terrain feature before landing.