The right side offers the only chance at distant island glimpses during the Atlantic crossing (northern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos) and delivers the dramatic harbor-and-hills approach into St. Thomas, while the left side is dominated by featureless ocean and flat Carolina terrain.
Flown CLT to STT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charlotte to St. Thomas is 1,522 miles (2,449 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Open western Atlantic Ocean, with the northern Bahamas (Abaco, Eleuthera) and later Turks and Caicos occasionally visible in the distance to the right before Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands come into view on descent
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
RIGHTIn typical south-flow departures from CLT, the aircraft lifts off heading south with Charlotte's modest skyline and suburbs briefly visible off the right side before the turn onto the southeast routing. The left side shows only the flat, unremarkable Piedmont countryside.
Landing at STT
RIGHTLanding on Runway 10 requires an approach maneuver over Charlotte Amalie's harbor, and the final turn puts the town, cruise ships, and steep green hills of St. Thomas on the right side of the aircraft. The turquoise water and terraced hillside neighborhoods make this the most visually rewarding moment of the flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Cyril E King (STT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to St. Thomas. The right side offers the only chance at distant island glimpses during the Atlantic crossing (northern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos) and delivers the dramatic harbor-and-hills approach into St. Thomas, while the left side is dominated by featureless ocean and flat Carolina terrain.
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. In typical south-flow departures from CLT, the aircraft lifts off heading south with Charlotte's modest skyline and suburbs briefly visible off the right side before the turn onto the southeast routing. The left side shows only the flat, unremarkable Piedmont countryside. Notable sights include: Charlotte skyline, Uptown towers, Charlotte Douglas airport grounds, rolling Piedmont farmland.
What can I see when landing at Cyril E King in St. Thomas?
When landing at Cyril E King (STT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on Runway 10 requires an approach maneuver over Charlotte Amalie's harbor, and the final turn puts the town, cruise ships, and steep green hills of St. Thomas on the right side of the aircraft. The turquoise water and terraced hillside neighborhoods make this the most visually rewarding moment of the flight. Notable sights include: Charlotte Amalie harbor, cruise ship docks, St. Thomas hillside neighborhoods, nearby Water Island.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to St. Thomas?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Cyril E King (STT) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,522 miles (2,449 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charlotte to St. Thomas flight path pass over?
Open western Atlantic Ocean, with the northern Bahamas (Abaco, Eleuthera) and later Turks and Caicos occasionally visible in the distance to the right before Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands come into view on descent