The right side wins primarily on the strength of the Manhattan skyline during departure, which is far more visually striking than anything seen on the left. The rest of the flight is dominated by flat Mid-Atlantic farmland and Piedmont terrain on both sides, so the dramatic NYC view tips the balance.
Flown LGA to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Raleigh-Durham is 431 miles (693 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
The route crosses the flat Delmarva Peninsula region and the western edge of the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia, then continues over the rolling Piedmont plateau of central Virginia and North Carolina before reaching Raleigh-Durham.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTLGA departures heading south typically bank over Queens and the East River, putting the Manhattan skyline squarely on the right side of the aircraft. This is the single most dramatic visual on the entire route, with the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the East River bridges all recognizable during the climb.
Landing at RDU
LEFTOn the typical approach to RDU's runway 23 from the northeast, the aircraft passes south of Falls Lake before turning toward final approach, putting the lake and the wooded Research Triangle Park corridor on the left side. Downtown Raleigh's modest skyline is occasionally visible in the distance on this side as well.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Raleigh-Durham. The right side wins primarily on the strength of the Manhattan skyline during departure, which is far more visually striking than anything seen on the left. The rest of the flight is dominated by flat Mid-Atlantic farmland and Piedmont terrain on both sides, so the dramatic NYC view tips the balance.
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 south typically bank over Queens and the East River, putting the Manhattan skyline squarely on the right side of the aircraft. This is the single most dramatic visual on the entire route, with the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the East River bridges all recognizable during the climb. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Empire State Building, Rikers Island.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical approach to RDU's runway 23 from the northeast, the aircraft passes south of Falls Lake before turning toward final approach, putting the lake and the wooded Research Triangle Park corridor on the left side. Downtown Raleigh's modest skyline is occasionally visible in the distance on this side as well. Notable sights include: Falls Lake, Research Triangle Park forest, downtown Raleigh skyline, Neuse River tributaries.
How long is the flight from New York to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 431 miles (693 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat Delmarva Peninsula region and the western edge of the Chesapeake Bay near Virginia, then continues over the rolling Piedmont plateau of central Virginia and North Carolina before reaching Raleigh-Durham.