The right side offers the Manhattan skyline during departure and mountain ridgeline views of the Blue Ridge during the Roanoke approach, giving more terrain drama and landmark variety than the flatter, less distinctive left-side views.
Flown LGA to ROA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Roanoke is 405 miles (652 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Appalachian ridgelines and the northern Shenandoah Valley are crossed en route, with the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming prominent as the flight nears Roanoke.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTDepartures off LGA runway 22 head northeast before turning south/southwest toward Virginia, and during that turn the Manhattan skyline and East River are visible on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows Long Island Sound and flat Queens/Nassau suburbs.
Landing at ROA
RIGHTRoanoke sits in a valley ringed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and standard approaches into runway 24 or 06 bring the aircraft along the valley with the ridgelines visible off the right side during the final descent. The left side typically shows lower Piedmont farmland with less relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Roanoke. The right side offers the Manhattan skyline during departure and mountain ridgeline views of the Blue Ridge during the Roanoke approach, giving more terrain drama and landmark variety than the flatter, less distinctive left-side views.
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. Departures off LGA runway 22 head northeast before turning south/southwest toward Virginia, and during that turn the Manhattan skyline and East River are visible on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows Long Island Sound and flat Queens/Nassau suburbs. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island, Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport in Roanoke?
When landing at Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Roanoke sits in a valley ringed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and standard approaches into runway 24 or 06 bring the aircraft along the valley with the ridgelines visible off the right side during the final descent. The left side typically shows lower Piedmont farmland with less relief. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke Valley, Poor Mountain, Mill Mountain.
How long is the flight from New York to Roanoke?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 405 miles (652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Roanoke flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridgelines and the northern Shenandoah Valley are crossed en route, with the Blue Ridge Mountains becoming prominent as the flight nears Roanoke.