While takeoff from LGA favors left seats for Manhattan views, the landing approach into Austin on right seats offers more compelling scenery with Lady Bird Lake, the Colorado River, and downtown Austin's skyline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown LGA to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Austin is 1,518 miles (2,443 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path westward crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Kentucky), the Ohio River valley, and transitions into the flatter terrain of Tennessee and northern Arkansas. The Mississippi River is not typically visible on this routing as the flight passes south of it. The Ozark Plateau appears as rolling, forested terrain in Missouri and northern Arkansas. As the aircraft approaches Texas, the landscape flattens into the Texas prairie with scattered ranch lands and small towns visible below.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as the aircraft climbs westward out of LGA. Right seats face toward Queens and Long Island Sound with less dramatic urban scenery.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake), and downtown Austin's skyline during the final approach from the northeast. Left seats face toward the less scenic eastern suburbs and airport grounds.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Austin. While takeoff from LGA favors left seats for Manhattan views, the landing approach into Austin on right seats offers more compelling scenery with Lady Bird Lake, the Colorado River, and downtown Austin's skyline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as the aircraft climbs westward out of LGA. Right seats face toward Queens and Long Island Sound with less dramatic urban scenery. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, George Washington Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake), and downtown Austin's skyline during the final approach from the northeast. Left seats face toward the less scenic eastern suburbs and airport grounds. Notable sights include: Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin skyline, Barton Springs area.
How long is the flight from New York to Austin?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,518 miles (2,443 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path westward crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and eastern Kentucky), the Ohio River valley, and transitions into the flatter terrain of Tennessee and northern Arkansas. The Mississippi River is not typically visible on this routing as the flight passes south of it. The Ozark Plateau appears as rolling, forested terrain in Missouri and northern Arkansas. As the aircraft approaches Texas, the landscape flattens into the Texas prairie with scattered ranch lands and small towns visible below.