The right side offers a strong bookend of urban scenery — the Manhattan skyline at departure and Lake Pontchartrain with the New Orleans skyline at arrival — while the left side sees mostly flat inland terrain during cruise.
Flown LGA to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to New Orleans is 1,183 miles (1,904 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines of Virginia/Tennessee, the Tennessee River valley, and the rural Mississippi/Alabama plains beneath the flight path
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTLGA departures heading southbound typically bank over the East River, putting the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over Queens and New Jersey.
Landing at MSY
RIGHTArrivals into MSY commonly approach from the north over Lake Pontchartrain, giving right-side passengers a wide view of the lake, the causeway bridge, and the New Orleans metro skyline before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to New Orleans. The right side offers a strong bookend of urban scenery — the Manhattan skyline at departure and Lake Pontchartrain with the New Orleans skyline at arrival — while the left side sees mostly flat inland terrain during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LGA departures heading southbound typically bank over the East River, putting the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over Queens and New Jersey. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hudson River, Staten Island.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into MSY commonly approach from the north over Lake Pontchartrain, giving right-side passengers a wide view of the lake, the causeway bridge, and the New Orleans metro skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, New Orleans skyline, Mississippi River bends.
How long is the flight from New York to New Orleans?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,183 miles (1,904 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to New Orleans flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines of Virginia/Tennessee, the Tennessee River valley, and the rural Mississippi/Alabama plains beneath the flight path