While left offers excellent takeoff views of New York, right provides the more dramatic and sustained scenic experience with Lake Michigan's expanse visible during the final 30-40 minutes of descent into Milwaukee.
Flown LGA to MKE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Milwaukee is 736 miles (1,185 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses Pennsylvania's Appalachian ridges (visible as parallel northeast-southwest trending terrain features around 30,000 feet), then transitions into Ohio's flatter agricultural landscape. You'll pass over or near Lake Erie's southern shore in the final approach phase. The terrain gradually flattens as you move westward into Indiana and approach Wisconsin, with scattered lakes becoming more frequent as you near the Great Lakes region.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of Manhattan's skyline and the East River as you climb out westbound. You'll see the Hudson River and New Jersey's urban sprawl receding beneath you.
Landing at MKE
RIGHTRight side provides views of Lake Michigan as you approach Milwaukee from the east. You'll see the shoreline, downtown Milwaukee's waterfront, and the lake's expanse before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to General Mitchell International (MKE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Milwaukee. While left offers excellent takeoff views of New York, right provides the more dramatic and sustained scenic experience with Lake Michigan's expanse visible during the final 30-40 minutes of descent into Milwaukee.
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 immediate views of Manhattan's skyline and the East River as you climb out westbound. You'll see the Hudson River and New Jersey's urban sprawl receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay.
What can I see when landing at General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
When landing at General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of Lake Michigan as you approach Milwaukee from the east. You'll see the shoreline, downtown Milwaukee's waterfront, and the lake's expanse before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Milwaukee waterfront and downtown, Menominee River, Milwaukee harbor.
How long is the flight from New York to Milwaukee?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to General Mitchell International (MKE) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 736 miles (1,185 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Milwaukee flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Pennsylvania's Appalachian ridges (visible as parallel northeast-southwest trending terrain features around 30,000 feet), then transitions into Ohio's flatter agricultural landscape. You'll pass over or near Lake Erie's southern shore in the final approach phase. The terrain gradually flattens as you move westward into Indiana and approach Wisconsin, with scattered lakes becoming more frequent as you near the Great Lakes region.