While takeoff favors the left, the landing view from the right is significantly more rewarding—the Seine's distinctive loops and Paris's iconic landmarks are genuinely visible and unmistakable. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown LGA to ORY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Paris is 3,622 miles (5,830 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet. Notable geographic features include: the Nova Scotia coastline and Bay of Fundy (visible during initial eastbound climb if departing northeasterly); the Grand Banks fishing grounds southeast of Newfoundland; the open Atlantic with occasional icebergs visible in spring/early summer near 50°N; the southern tip of Greenland and Denmark Strait region (far to the north, not directly on route); the Irish coast and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; and the English Channel or Bay of Biscay depending on exact routing. At cruise altitude, the Atlantic itself dominates—a featureless expanse of water with occasional cloud formations. The most visually distinctive moment mid-flight occurs when approaching the European coast, where the Irish or British coastline becomes visible as a thin dark line on the horizon, followed by the gradual emergence of continental Europe's geography.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA typically departs eastbound (Runways 04/22 or 13/31). Left window seats face north during initial climb, offering views of the East River, Manhattan's upper reaches, and the Harlem River bridges. Right seats face south toward Queens and Brooklyn with less distinctive geography.
Landing at ORY
RIGHTApproaching ORY from the west (typical transatlantic routing), aircraft descend on westerly headings. Right window seats face north during descent, revealing the Seine's meandering loops through Paris, the Île de France's agricultural patchwork, and distinctive landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower area. Left seats face south toward less visually distinctive suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Orly (ORY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Paris. While takeoff favors the left, the landing view from the right is significantly more rewarding—the Seine's distinctive loops and Paris's iconic landmarks are genuinely visible and unmistakable. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
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 eastbound (Runways 04/22 or 13/31). Left window seats face north during initial climb, offering views of the East River, Manhattan's upper reaches, and the Harlem River bridges. Right seats face south toward Queens and Brooklyn with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: East River, Manhattan skyline (upper midtown), Harlem River, Triborough Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Orly in Paris?
When landing at Orly (ORY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching ORY from the west (typical transatlantic routing), aircraft descend on westerly headings. Right window seats face north during descent, revealing the Seine's meandering loops through Paris, the Île de France's agricultural patchwork, and distinctive landmarks like Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower area. Left seats face south toward less visually distinctive suburbs. Notable sights include: Seine River (multiple loops), Île de France agricultural fields, Eiffel Tower area, Notre-Dame/Île de la Cité.
How long is the flight from New York to Paris?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Orly (ORY) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,622 miles (5,830 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet. Notable geographic features include: the Nova Scotia coastline and Bay of Fundy (visible during initial eastbound climb if departing northeasterly); the Grand Banks fishing grounds southeast of Newfoundland; the open Atlantic with occasional icebergs visible in spring/early summer near 50°N; the southern tip of Greenland and Denmark Strait region (far to the north, not directly on route); the Irish coast and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; and the English Channel or Bay of Biscay depending on exact routing. At cruise altitude, the Atlantic itself dominates—a featureless expanse of water with occasional cloud formations. The most visually distinctive moment mid-flight occurs when approaching the European coast, where the Irish or British coastline becomes visible as a thin dark line on the horizon, followed by the gradual emergence of continental Europe's geography.