The left side wins narrowly thanks to the striking Manhattan skyline view immediately after departure, which is more visually dominant than the equally scenic but more distant Pittsburgh view on arrival; both sides share the same Appalachian ridge scenery during cruise.
Flown LGA to PIT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Pittsburgh is 334 miles (538 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The route crosses the ridge-and-valley Appalachians of central Pennsylvania, passing near the Susquehanna River and the forested Allegheny Plateau before descending toward the Pittsburgh Plateau and the city's river valleys.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
LEFTLGA departures heading toward Pittsburgh swing the aircraft through a turn that puts Manhattan squarely on the left side, giving a brief but dramatic skyline view right after takeoff. The rest of the climb crosses the Bronx and lower Hudson Valley before leveling toward Pennsylvania's ridgelines.
Landing at PIT
RIGHTOn approach to runway 28, the flight path passes near downtown Pittsburgh before the final turn, putting the city's famous three-rivers confluence and skyline on the right side of the cabin. Mount Washington's ridge and the stadiums along the Allegheny add a distinctive urban-topographic view found nowhere else on this route.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Pittsburgh. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the striking Manhattan skyline view immediately after departure, which is more visually dominant than the equally scenic but more distant Pittsburgh view on arrival; both sides share the same Appalachian ridge scenery during cruise.
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 departures heading toward Pittsburgh swing the aircraft through a turn that puts Manhattan squarely on the left side, giving a brief but dramatic skyline view right after takeoff. The rest of the climb crosses the Bronx and lower Hudson Valley before leveling toward Pennsylvania's ridgelines. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Midtown/One World Trade), East River, Rikers Island, Hudson River.
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to runway 28, the flight path passes near downtown Pittsburgh before the final turn, putting the city's famous three-rivers confluence and skyline on the right side of the cabin. Mount Washington's ridge and the stadiums along the Allegheny add a distinctive urban-topographic view found nowhere else on this route. Notable sights include: Downtown Pittsburgh skyline, confluence of the Allegheny/Monongahela/Ohio Rivers, Mount Washington ridge, PNC Park/Acrisure Stadium.
How long is the flight from New York to Pittsburgh?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 334 miles (538 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
The route crosses the ridge-and-valley Appalachians of central Pennsylvania, passing near the Susquehanna River and the forested Allegheny Plateau before descending toward the Pittsburgh Plateau and the city's river valleys.