The takeoff from LGA offers more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. While the landing approach into Birmingham shows nice Appalachian terrain, the New York departure is more visually distinctive and memorable for most passengers.
Flown LGA to BHM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Birmingham is 865 miles (1,392 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains, including the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. You'll pass over the Shenandoah Valley region and see the ridge-and-valley topography characteristic of the central Appalachians. The Tennessee River valley becomes visible as you approach Alabama.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as you climb out over New York. Right side faces Queens and Long Island with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at BHM
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Appalachian foothills and the approach into Birmingham from the northeast. You'll see the rolling terrain and the city's location in the valley as you descend.
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 La Guardia (LGA) to Birmingham International (BHM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Birmingham. The takeoff from LGA offers more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. While the landing approach into Birmingham shows nice Appalachian terrain, the New York departure is more visually distinctive and memorable for most passengers.
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 side offers views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River as you climb out over New York. Right side faces Queens and Long Island with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, George Washington Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Birmingham International in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Appalachian foothills and the approach into Birmingham from the northeast. You'll see the rolling terrain and the city's location in the valley as you descend. Notable sights include: Appalachian foothills, Vulcan Park, Birmingham city center, Red Mountain.
How long is the flight from New York to Birmingham?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Birmingham International (BHM) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 865 miles (1,392 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Birmingham flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains, including the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. You'll pass over the Shenandoah Valley region and see the ridge-and-valley topography characteristic of the central Appalachians. The Tennessee River valley becomes visible as you approach Alabama.