While left offers excellent Edinburgh departure views, right seats capture the more dramatic and geographically distinctive landing sequence over Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River's crescent—the defining feature of New Orleans' geography. The landing view is more visually rewarding than the takeoff advantage.
Flown EDI to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to New Orleans is 4,413 miles (7,101 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet). Notable waypoints include the Irish coast (Donegal Bay area), then open Atlantic. Mid-Atlantic, Greenland's southern tip may be visible on clear days as a distant landmass. The route then passes over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes, with the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Nova Scotia visible during descent into North American airspace. The final approach crosses the Gulf of Mexico, with the Louisiana coastline and Mississippi Delta becoming visible around 15,000 feet.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTEdinburgh typically departs runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills immediately after climb-out, with the city's castle and Old Town visible during initial ascent.
Landing at MSY
RIGHTApproach into MSY typically uses runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R depending on wind. Right seats provide views of Lake Pontchartrain during descent, the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders, and the New Orleans urban area with the Mississippi's crescent bend that defines the city's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to New Orleans. While left offers excellent Edinburgh departure views, right seats capture the more dramatic and geographically distinctive landing sequence over Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River's crescent—the defining feature of New Orleans' geography. The landing view is more visually rewarding than the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edinburgh typically departs runway 06 or 24 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of the Firth of Forth and the Pentland Hills immediately after climb-out, with the city's castle and Old Town visible during initial ascent. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth (north), Pentland Hills (south), Edinburgh Castle and city center (west), Forth Road Bridge (northeast).
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. Approach into MSY typically uses runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R depending on wind. Right seats provide views of Lake Pontchartrain during descent, the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders, and the New Orleans urban area with the Mississippi's crescent bend that defines the city's geography. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (north), Mississippi River with characteristic crescent bend (south and west), New Orleans city grid (central), Bayou wetlands (east and south).
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to New Orleans?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,413 miles (7,101 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic at high altitude (35,000+ feet). Notable waypoints include the Irish coast (Donegal Bay area), then open Atlantic. Mid-Atlantic, Greenland's southern tip may be visible on clear days as a distant landmass. The route then passes over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes, with the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Nova Scotia visible during descent into North American airspace. The final approach crosses the Gulf of Mexico, with the Louisiana coastline and Mississippi Delta becoming visible around 15,000 feet.