While the left side wins at takeoff for the Susquehanna and Appalachian ridge views, the right side delivers the iconic Paris approach over the Seine and central landmarks on descent, which is the more memorable and visually dramatic payoff of the two. Over the Atlantic and southern England the views are broadly similar on both sides.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast from Pennsylvania over New England, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle route passing south of Newfoundland and over the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland depending on winds. Over Europe the route crosses southern England, the English Channel, and northern France. Key features include the Nova Scotia coastline, the vast open North Atlantic, the Irish or Cornish coast as landfall, and the English Channel crossing before descending into the Paris basin.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Harrisburg to Paris. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Susquehanna and Appalachian ridge views, the right side delivers the iconic Paris approach over the Seine and central landmarks on descent, which is the more memorable and visually dramatic payoff of the two. Over the Atlantic and southern England the views are broadly similar on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Harrisburg International in Harrisburg?
During takeoff from Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Left side for the best views. MDT's primary departure runway 13 sends aircraft southeast, then turning northeast toward the Atlantic. The left side faces north-northwest, giving a clear view back over the Susquehanna River and the Blue Ridge/South Mountain ridgelines. Harrisburg city sits just across the river and is easily identifiable. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River broad bend near Harrisburg, South Mountain and Blue Ridge parallel ridgelines, Harrisburg city grid and Capitol dome, Three Mile Island cooling towers on the river.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. CDG typically uses westerly runways (26L/26R) for arrivals from the Atlantic, meaning aircraft approach from the east-northeast on final. The right side faces south, offering a view over central Paris including the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and the dense Haussmann boulevard grid as the aircraft descends through 3,000-6,000 feet on approach. Notable sights include: Seine River snaking through central Paris, Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, La Défense business district tower cluster to the west, Bois de Boulogne forested park.
How long is the flight from Harrisburg to Paris?
The flight from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes Approximately 8 to 8.5 hours.
What does the Harrisburg to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast from Pennsylvania over New England, then crosses the North Atlantic on a great circle route passing south of Newfoundland and over the southern tip of Greenland or Iceland depending on winds. Over Europe the route crosses southern England, the English Channel, and northern France. Key features include the Nova Scotia coastline, the vast open North Atlantic, the Irish or Cornish coast as landfall, and the English Channel crossing before descending into the Paris basin.