The left side wins primarily due to the Manhattan skyline glimpse during departure, since the cruise phase over Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa farmland is largely featureless flat terrain with no major landmarks on either side.
Flown LGA to DSM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Des Moines is 1,028 miles (1,655 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania give way to the flat farmland of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, with the Mississippi River crossing near the Iowa border before descending into the Des Moines River valley.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTDeparting LGA to the west, the initial turn typically banks south over the East River, giving left-side passengers a brief but clear view of the Manhattan skyline, Roosevelt Island, and the Triborough (RFK) Bridge before the climb continues over New Jersey.
Landing at DSM
RIGHTOn approach into DSM from the east on runway 13/31, the right side offers a slightly better view of the Des Moines River winding through the city and the downtown skyline before touchdown, while the left side mostly faces open farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Des Moines International (DSM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Des Moines. The left side wins primarily due to the Manhattan skyline glimpse during departure, since the cruise phase over Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Iowa farmland is largely featureless flat terrain with no major landmarks on either side.
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. Departing LGA to the west, the initial turn typically banks south over the East River, giving left-side passengers a brief but clear view of the Manhattan skyline, Roosevelt Island, and the Triborough (RFK) Bridge before the climb continues over New Jersey. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Roosevelt Island, RFK Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?
When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into DSM from the east on runway 13/31, the right side offers a slightly better view of the Des Moines River winding through the city and the downtown skyline before touchdown, while the left side mostly faces open farmland. Notable sights include: Des Moines River, downtown Des Moines skyline, patchwork farmland.
How long is the flight from New York to Des Moines?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,028 miles (1,655 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Des Moines flight path pass over?
Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania give way to the flat farmland of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, with the Mississippi River crossing near the Iowa border before descending into the Des Moines River valley.