Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Portland. The left side wins on both ends: Appalachian ridgelines near takeoff and Mount Hood plus the Willamette/Columbia river confluence on approach into PDX, giving it more terrain variety and landmark density than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.

During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CLT westbound-ish, the left side gets views over the Charlotte skyline before the route crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains, giving early terrain drama. The right side mostly shows flat Piedmont farmland fading into haze. Notable sights include: Charlotte skyline, Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, Uptown Charlotte towers.

When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into PDX from the south or east, the left side offers views of Mount Hood's snow-capped peak and the Cascade foothills, plus the Willamette River winding through Portland. The right side during descent shows mostly flat farmland and suburban grid with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Willamette River, Columbia River, Portland downtown skyline.

The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Portland International (PDX) takes 5h 05m.

The route crosses the Appalachian Mountains, the Mississippi River valley, the Great Plains, and the Rocky Mountains before descending into the Columbia River Gorge region near Portland.