About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Austin. While landing favors the left, the takeoff view of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi delta is more dramatic and geographically distinctive than the Austin approach. Right-side seats capture the defining water features of New Orleans that make this route memorable.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta as you climb out. MSY typically departs eastbound on Runway 24L/24R, so right-side passengers see the vast water systems that define New Orleans' geography. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (massive freshwater lake to the north), Mississippi River (winding through the delta below), Crescent City district (urban grid visible briefly), Bayou Bienvenue (wetland expanse to the east).
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Colorado River and downtown Austin during descent. AUS typically lands westbound on Runway 17L/17R, positioning left-side passengers to see the river corridor and city center as you approach. Notable sights include: Colorado River (winding through central Austin), Downtown Austin skyline (recognizable cluster of mid-rise buildings), Lake Travis (large reservoir visible to the northwest), Hill Country terrain (rolling landscape with sparse vegetation).
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Austin?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the New Orleans to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Louisiana, passing over the Atchafalaya Basin (vast swamp and river system), then transitions into the Coastal Prairie region. Around the midpoint, you'll see the transition from Louisiana's wetlands to Texas's flatter, drier terrain. The Brazos River and its valley become visible in the final 30 minutes of flight as you approach Austin. The landscape shifts from bayou and marsh to grassland and scattered woodland typical of the Texas Hill Country transition zone.