The right side wins because of the Front Range mountain backdrop during departure and the Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans skyline views on arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains and marsh with no distinctive landmarks.
Flown DEN to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to New Orleans is 1,061 miles (1,708 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Flat High Plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, Arkansas River valley, rolling terrain of eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas foothills near the Ouachita Mountains
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDeparting DEN to the south before turning southeast, the Front Range and Rocky Mountain foothills (including the Denver skyline nestled against them) are visible on the right side during climb-out. The left side only shows the flat eastern Colorado plains.
Landing at MSY
RIGHTOn approach into MSY from the north, the aircraft typically crosses Lake Pontchartrain before turning to align with the runway, putting the lake's vast open water and the New Orleans skyline on the right side. The left side shows only marshland and the airport's industrial surroundings.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to New Orleans. The right side wins because of the Front Range mountain backdrop during departure and the Lake Pontchartrain and New Orleans skyline views on arrival, while the left side offers only flat plains and marsh with no distinctive landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DEN to the south before turning southeast, the Front Range and Rocky Mountain foothills (including the Denver skyline nestled against them) are visible on the right side during climb-out. The left side only shows the flat eastern Colorado plains. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Denver skyline, South Platte River valley.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MSY from the north, the aircraft typically crosses Lake Pontchartrain before turning to align with the runway, putting the lake's vast open water and the New Orleans skyline on the right side. The left side shows only marshland and the airport's industrial surroundings. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans skyline, Mississippi River bends, Bonnet Carre Spillway.
How long is the flight from Denver to New Orleans?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,061 miles (1,708 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Flat High Plains of eastern Colorado and Kansas, Arkansas River valley, rolling terrain of eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas foothills near the Ouachita Mountains