The left side wins for both the Lake Pontchartrain views on departure and the Blue Ridge foothills and Lake Norman scenery on arrival, giving more variety and terrain interest than the flat farmland visible on the right side for most of the flight.
Flown MSY to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Charlotte is 651 miles (1,048 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Southern Mississippi pine forests, the Alabama River basin, and the rolling Piedmont plateau of Georgia and the Carolinas
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
LEFTDeparting MSY to the east, the left side gives a clear view over Lake Pontchartrain's south shore and the maze of drainage canals north of New Orleans, while the right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with the skyline glimpsed only briefly and at a distance.
Landing at CLT
LEFTOn approach into CLT, the left side offers a distant view of the Blue Ridge foothills rolling along the northwest horizon along with glimpses of Lake Norman's shoreline, while the right side shows only flat Piedmont farmland with no distinguishing terrain.
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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 Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Charlotte. The left side wins for both the Lake Pontchartrain views on departure and the Blue Ridge foothills and Lake Norman scenery on arrival, giving more variety and terrain interest than the flat farmland visible on the right side for most of the flight.
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 Left side for the best views. Departing MSY to the east, the left side gives a clear view over Lake Pontchartrain's south shore and the maze of drainage canals north of New Orleans, while the right side mostly shows flat suburban sprawl with the skyline glimpsed only briefly and at a distance. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Bonnet Carre Spillway, New Orleans lakefront canals.
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. On approach into CLT, the left side offers a distant view of the Blue Ridge foothills rolling along the northwest horizon along with glimpses of Lake Norman's shoreline, while the right side shows only flat Piedmont farmland with no distinguishing terrain. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge foothills, Lake Norman, Charlotte's uptown skyline.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Charlotte?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 651 miles (1,048 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Charlotte flight path pass over?
Southern Mississippi pine forests, the Alabama River basin, and the rolling Piedmont plateau of Georgia and the Carolinas