The right side wins narrowly by combining the Lake Pontchartrain views on departure with the Hill Country and Lake Travis scenery on arrival, giving more topographic variety than the flat farmland and river views on the left.
Flown MSY to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Austin is 442 miles (712 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Flat Louisiana and East Texas farmland, the Atchafalaya Basin swamps, and the distant Houston metropolitan sprawl visible south of the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTDeparting MSY on runway 29 heads west-northwest, and the right side offers a good look back at Lake Pontchartrain's southern shoreline and the marshy bayous north of the airport as the plane climbs out. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and the winding Mississippi River levees, which are less distinct from altitude.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTOn approach to AUS from the north for a southbound landing on 18L/18R, the right side faces west toward the Texas Hill Country and Lake Travis, giving passengers a view of rolling hills and reservoir water rare for this flat-terrain route. The left side shows mostly flat suburban sprawl east of downtown Austin.
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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. The right side wins narrowly by combining the Lake Pontchartrain views on departure with the Hill Country and Lake Travis scenery on arrival, giving more topographic variety than the flat farmland and river views on the left.
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. Departing MSY on runway 29 heads west-northwest, and the right side offers a good look back at Lake Pontchartrain's southern shoreline and the marshy bayous north of the airport as the plane climbs out. The left side mostly shows flat farmland and the winding Mississippi River levees, which are less distinct from altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Bonnet Carre Spillway, Louisiana bayou wetlands.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AUS from the north for a southbound landing on 18L/18R, the right side faces west toward the Texas Hill Country and Lake Travis, giving passengers a view of rolling hills and reservoir water rare for this flat-terrain route. The left side shows mostly flat suburban sprawl east of downtown Austin. Notable sights include: Lake Travis, Texas Hill Country, Colorado River, downtown Austin skyline.
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 about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 442 miles (712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Austin flight path pass over?
Flat Louisiana and East Texas farmland, the Atchafalaya Basin swamps, and the distant Houston metropolitan sprawl visible south of the flight path