Right seats capture the dramatic Andes approach into Lima, which is the flight's most visually distinctive segment. Takeoff views are comparable between sides, but landing compensates with superior geography.
Flown LGA to LIM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Lima is 3,654 miles (5,880 km), a flight of about 7 hours 25 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Caribbean (no major landmarks), then tracks south over Central America (Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica visible as green terrain with occasional volcanic peaks), crosses into South America over Panama/Colombia border, then follows the Pacific coast southward. The Andes cordillera becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Peru, with peaks visible on the right (east) side during the final 90 minutes of flight. The Sechura Desert's tan expanse dominates the landscape immediately before descent into Lima.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA typically departs runway 04 or 22 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of Manhattan's East Side, the East River, and Queens during initial climb. Right seats face industrial areas and less distinctive terrain.
Landing at LIM
RIGHTApproach to Lima typically uses runway 15 (southbound) or 33 (northbound). Right seats during descent offer views of the Andes foothills rising inland, the Pacific coastal plain, and the approach over Callao's port. Left seats face the ocean with less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Lima. Right seats capture the dramatic Andes approach into Lima, which is the flight's most visually distinctive segment. Takeoff views are comparable between sides, but landing compensates with superior geography.
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. LGA typically departs runway 04 or 22 depending on wind. Left seats offer views of Manhattan's East Side, the East River, and Queens during initial climb. Right seats face industrial areas and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, Chrysler Building visible as distant points), East River, Flushing Bay, Queens residential grid.
What can I see when landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
When landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to Lima typically uses runway 15 (southbound) or 33 (northbound). Right seats during descent offer views of the Andes foothills rising inland, the Pacific coastal plain, and the approach over Callao's port. Left seats face the ocean with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Andes Mountains (distant peaks on eastern horizon), Pacific Ocean, Callao port and breakwaters, Lima's urban sprawl and grid pattern.
How long is the flight from New York to Lima?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) takes about 7 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,654 miles (5,880 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Lima flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Caribbean (no major landmarks), then tracks south over Central America (Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica visible as green terrain with occasional volcanic peaks), crosses into South America over Panama/Colombia border, then follows the Pacific coast southward. The Andes cordillera becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft approaches Peru, with peaks visible on the right (east) side during the final 90 minutes of flight. The Sechura Desert's tan expanse dominates the landscape immediately before descent into Lima.