While takeoff favors the right side for Appalachian views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with Lake Norman and the Catawba River valley. The left side also captures the Charlotte approach corridor with better urban and water feature visibility.
Flown MDT to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Harrisburg to Charlotte is 413 miles (664 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont plateau transition zone, multiple river valleys (Catawba, Yadkin), forested terrain of central North Carolina, scattered lakes and reservoirs
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MDT
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Susquehanna River valley and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains as the aircraft climbs southwestward. Left side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with fewer dramatic features during initial climb.
Landing at CLT
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Catawba River valley and the Piedmont terrain as the aircraft descends toward Charlotte. Right side faces toward less visually distinctive areas east of the flight path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Harrisburg to Charlotte. While takeoff favors the right side for Appalachian views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery with Lake Norman and the Catawba River valley. The left side also captures the Charlotte approach corridor with better urban and water feature visibility.
What can I see during takeoff from Harrisburg International in Harrisburg?
During takeoff from Harrisburg International (MDT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Susquehanna River valley and the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains as the aircraft climbs southwestward. Left side faces toward the Atlantic coastal plain with fewer dramatic features during initial climb. Notable sights include: Susquehanna River, Blue Ridge Mountains (distant), Appalachian ridge-and-valley terrain, Harrisburg urban area.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Catawba River valley and the Piedmont terrain as the aircraft descends toward Charlotte. Right side faces toward less visually distinctive areas east of the flight path. Notable sights include: Catawba River, Lake Norman, Piedmont plateau terrain, Charlotte skyline.
How long is the flight from Harrisburg to Charlotte?
The flight from Harrisburg International (MDT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 413 miles (664 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Harrisburg to Charlotte flight path pass over?
Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont plateau transition zone, multiple river valleys (Catawba, Yadkin), forested terrain of central North Carolina, scattered lakes and reservoirs