Right-side seats win both segments—Lake Mendota and Wisconsin River on departure, then the East River and Manhattan skyline on arrival. This is the more geographically rewarding side for the entire flight.
Flown MSN to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madison to New York is 810 miles (1,303 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau through Pennsylvania and New York. Notable features include the Finger Lakes region of central New York (visible as long narrow lakes running north-south around 42.5°N), the Mohawk River valley (a major geographic corridor), and the Hudson River valley as you approach the New York metro area. The terrain transitions from Wisconsin's glaciated landscape through rolling Appalachian foothills to the Hudson River's dramatic gorge.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSN
RIGHTMadison typically departs eastbound (Runway 01 or 03), and right-side seats offer views of Lake Mendota and the Wisconsin River valley as you climb. The left side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive features.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTApproaching LGA typically uses Runway 04 or 13 depending on wind. Right-side seats during descent offer views of the East River, Manhattan's east side, and Queens waterfront. Left seats see mostly Queens residential areas and Jamaica Bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madison to New York. Right-side seats win both segments—Lake Mendota and Wisconsin River on departure, then the East River and Manhattan skyline on arrival. This is the more geographically rewarding side for the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
During takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Madison typically departs eastbound (Runway 01 or 03), and right-side seats offer views of Lake Mendota and the Wisconsin River valley as you climb. The left side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota (immediately north of airport), Wisconsin River (west side of Madison), Dane County farmland grid pattern, distant Kettle Moraine ridge to the east.
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. Approaching LGA typically uses Runway 04 or 13 depending on wind. Right-side seats during descent offer views of the East River, Manhattan's east side, and Queens waterfront. Left seats see mostly Queens residential areas and Jamaica Bay. Notable sights include: East River (separating Manhattan from Queens), Manhattan skyline (east side), Astoria waterfront (Queens), Jamaica Bay (southwest).
How long is the flight from Madison to New York?
The flight from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 810 miles (1,303 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madison to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau through Pennsylvania and New York. Notable features include the Finger Lakes region of central New York (visible as long narrow lakes running north-south around 42.5°N), the Mohawk River valley (a major geographic corridor), and the Hudson River valley as you approach the New York metro area. The terrain transitions from Wisconsin's glaciated landscape through rolling Appalachian foothills to the Hudson River's dramatic gorge.