While the left side offers a nice glimpse of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan at departure, the right side's approach into LGA delivers one of the most iconic skyline views in commercial aviation—the Manhattan skyline and East River corridor—making it the stronger overall side for this short flight.
Flown MKE to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milwaukee to New York is 736 miles (1,185 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses lower Michigan, the western end of Lake Erie near Cleveland, and the ridgelines of northern Pennsylvania before descending into the New York metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MKE
LEFTDeparting MKE eastbound, the aircraft climbs directly over Milwaukee's downtown lakefront and the shoreline of Lake Michigan, which sits to the north (left) of the runway. This gives a brief but clear view of the city skyline and harbor before the plane turns onto its easterly cruise track.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTOn the typical arrival into LGA via runway 04, aircraft descend from the northeast over the Bronx and Long Island Sound before turning southwest toward the airport. This puts the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Rikers Island on the right side of the aircraft during the final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Mitchell International (MKE) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milwaukee to New York. While the left side offers a nice glimpse of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan at departure, the right side's approach into LGA delivers one of the most iconic skyline views in commercial aviation—the Manhattan skyline and East River corridor—making it the stronger overall side for this short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
During takeoff from General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MKE eastbound, the aircraft climbs directly over Milwaukee's downtown lakefront and the shoreline of Lake Michigan, which sits to the north (left) of the runway. This gives a brief but clear view of the city skyline and harbor before the plane turns onto its easterly cruise track. Notable sights include: Downtown Milwaukee skyline, Milwaukee harbor, Lake Michigan shoreline, Miller Park/American Family Field area.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical arrival into LGA via runway 04, aircraft descend from the northeast over the Bronx and Long Island Sound before turning southwest toward the airport. This puts the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and Rikers Island on the right side of the aircraft during the final approach. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Rikers Island, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Milwaukee to New York?
The flight from General Mitchell International (MKE) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 736 miles (1,185 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milwaukee to New York flight path pass over?
The route crosses lower Michigan, the western end of Lake Erie near Cleveland, and the ridgelines of northern Pennsylvania before descending into the New York metropolitan area.