While the left side has the better Charlotte departure view, the right side wins overall because it captures the Arkansas River and Tulsa skyline on approach, which is the more visually distinctive payoff of the flight. The right side also gets reasonable views of the Tennessee River valley and Mississippi embayment transition during cruise at altitude.
Flown CLT to TUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charlotte to Tulsa is 840 miles (1,352 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Tennessee River valley in northern Alabama or southern Tennessee, then the Mississippi River embayment lowlands in Arkansas, transitioning to the flat Arkansas River plain before entering northeastern Oklahoma. The Ouachita Mountains in western Arkansas are visible as low, forested ridges from cruise altitude, and the transition from the forested Ozark Plateau to the open Oklahoma plains is noticeable roughly 100 miles east of Tulsa.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLT
LEFTCLT typically departs runway 18C/23 heading southwest or south, which puts the Charlotte city skyline and uptown district on the left side during the initial climb. The left side also gets views of Lake Norman to the northwest as the aircraft turns westward toward its cruise heading.
Landing at TUL
RIGHTTulsa International typically lands on runway 18R/36L or approaches from the east, and the right side on approach from the east gives a clear view of the Arkansas River as it bends through Tulsa, plus the downtown Tulsa skyline. The right side also captures the broader Arkansas River valley and the transition from rolling Oklahoma hills to the urban core.
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 Tulsa International (TUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Tulsa. While the left side has the better Charlotte departure view, the right side wins overall because it captures the Arkansas River and Tulsa skyline on approach, which is the more visually distinctive payoff of the flight. The right side also gets reasonable views of the Tennessee River valley and Mississippi embayment transition during cruise at altitude.
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 typically departs runway 18C/23 heading southwest or south, which puts the Charlotte city skyline and uptown district on the left side during the initial climb. The left side also gets views of Lake Norman to the northwest as the aircraft turns westward toward its cruise heading. Notable sights include: Charlotte uptown skyline, Lake Norman, Catawba River corridor, McDowell Nature Preserve.
What can I see when landing at Tulsa International in Tulsa?
When landing at Tulsa International (TUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tulsa International typically lands on runway 18R/36L or approaches from the east, and the right side on approach from the east gives a clear view of the Arkansas River as it bends through Tulsa, plus the downtown Tulsa skyline. The right side also captures the broader Arkansas River valley and the transition from rolling Oklahoma hills to the urban core. Notable sights include: Arkansas River through Tulsa, downtown Tulsa skyline, Keystone Lake to the west, Osage Hills terrain.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Tulsa?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Tulsa International (TUL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 840 miles (1,352 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charlotte to Tulsa flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tennessee River valley in northern Alabama or southern Tennessee, then the Mississippi River embayment lowlands in Arkansas, transitioning to the flat Arkansas River plain before entering northeastern Oklahoma. The Ouachita Mountains in western Arkansas are visible as low, forested ridges from cruise altitude, and the transition from the forested Ozark Plateau to the open Oklahoma plains is noticeable roughly 100 miles east of Tulsa.