Right seats offer superior views on both legs: Manhattan and the Hudson Valley on departure, and the Seine, Paris, and the Île-de-France landscape on descent. The transatlantic portion offers less dramatic scenery, but the arrival sequence is the highlight.
Flown LGA to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Paris is 3,620 miles (5,825 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The transatlantic crossing passes over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for roughly 5 hours. The flight path typically crosses the southern tip of Newfoundland (visible during early climb-out if departing northeastbound), then open ocean. On approach to Europe, the Irish coast (County Cork or Kerry area) may be visible 90 minutes before landing, followed by the Welsh coast, English Channel, and finally the Normandy coast before turning inland toward Paris. The English Channel crossing offers brief coastal views but is relatively narrow. The Seine valley and Île-de-France agricultural landscape dominate the final 30 minutes of descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLa Guardia typically departs eastbound over water (East River, Upper New York Bay) before turning northeast. Left seats face north toward the Hudson River valley and Manhattan's skyline during initial climb.
Landing at LBG
RIGHTLe Bourget is north of Paris. Descending from the west, right-side seats face north and northeast toward the Seine valley, the city of Paris itself, and the approach corridor. You'll see the Seine's distinctive meanders and Paris's urban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Paris. Right seats offer superior views on both legs: Manhattan and the Hudson Valley on departure, and the Seine, Paris, and the Île-de-France landscape on descent. The transatlantic portion offers less dramatic scenery, but the arrival sequence is the highlight.
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. La Guardia typically departs eastbound over water (East River, Upper New York Bay) before turning northeast. Left seats face north toward the Hudson River valley and Manhattan's skyline during initial climb. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center visible as points in the urban grid), East River, Upper New York Bay, Queens residential areas to the north.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Le Bourget is north of Paris. Descending from the west, right-side seats face north and northeast toward the Seine valley, the city of Paris itself, and the approach corridor. You'll see the Seine's distinctive meanders and Paris's urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Seine River with its characteristic loops through the Paris basin, Paris city center and outer arrondissements, Île-de-France agricultural plains, Montmartre and northern Paris districts.
How long is the flight from New York to Paris?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,620 miles (5,825 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Paris flight path pass over?
The transatlantic crossing passes over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for roughly 5 hours. The flight path typically crosses the southern tip of Newfoundland (visible during early climb-out if departing northeastbound), then open ocean. On approach to Europe, the Irish coast (County Cork or Kerry area) may be visible 90 minutes before landing, followed by the Welsh coast, English Channel, and finally the Normandy coast before turning inland toward Paris. The English Channel crossing offers brief coastal views but is relatively narrow. The Seine valley and Île-de-France agricultural landscape dominate the final 30 minutes of descent.