Right side edges ahead due to the superior takeoff experience: Diamond Head and Honolulu's harbor provide distinctive, recognizable volcanic and urban scenery during departure, which is more visually compelling than the landing approach. Both sides score equally on the cruise phase (5+ hours of open Atlantic ocean with minimal landmarks), making the departure sequence the deciding factor. The landing approach on the left is strong but cannot overcome the right side's takeoff advantage.
Flown HNL to PIT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Honolulu to Pittsburgh is 4,645 miles (7,475 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the continental United States at cruise altitude (35,000-37,000 feet). Notable features visible during the cruise phase include the Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming border region), the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska, and the Mississippi River valley. The Appalachian Mountains become visible during descent into Pittsburgh. The entire central and eastern portion of the flight occurs over land, but at cruise altitude most terrain appears as a patchwork of fields and forests with limited dramatic relief except near the Rockies.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HNL
RIGHTRight side captures Honolulu's urban harbor and Diamond Head volcanic crater during the typical eastbound departure over water. Left side faces the Waianae Range but departs over ocean with less immediate visual interest.
Landing at PIT
LEFTLeft side offers superior approach scenery: the Appalachian foothills, the Monongahela River valley, and Pittsburgh's downtown skyline with the Golden Triangle district are all visible during the standard westbound descent into PIT. Right side faces open terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Honolulu International (HNL) to Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Honolulu to Pittsburgh. Right side edges ahead due to the superior takeoff experience: Diamond Head and Honolulu's harbor provide distinctive, recognizable volcanic and urban scenery during departure, which is more visually compelling than the landing approach. Both sides score equally on the cruise phase (5+ hours of open Atlantic ocean with minimal landmarks), making the departure sequence the deciding factor. The landing approach on the left is strong but cannot overcome the right side's takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Honolulu International in Honolulu?
During takeoff from Honolulu International (HNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Honolulu's urban harbor and Diamond Head volcanic crater during the typical eastbound departure over water. Left side faces the Waianae Range but departs over ocean with less immediate visual interest. Notable sights include: Diamond Head crater, Honolulu harbor and waterfront, Kailua Bay, Waianae Range (distant).
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers superior approach scenery: the Appalachian foothills, the Monongahela River valley, and Pittsburgh's downtown skyline with the Golden Triangle district are all visible during the standard westbound descent into PIT. Right side faces open terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Monongahela River and river valleys, Appalachian foothills, Pittsburgh downtown skyline and Golden Triangle, Point State Park confluence.
How long is the flight from Honolulu to Pittsburgh?
The flight from Honolulu International (HNL) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,645 miles (7,475 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Honolulu to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the continental United States at cruise altitude (35,000-37,000 feet). Notable features visible during the cruise phase include the Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming border region), the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska, and the Mississippi River valley. The Appalachian Mountains become visible during descent into Pittsburgh. The entire central and eastern portion of the flight occurs over land, but at cruise altitude most terrain appears as a patchwork of fields and forests with limited dramatic relief except near the Rockies.