Left side wins for both departure and arrival, offering continuous scenic value: Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi delta on departure, then the Atlantic crossing, and finally the Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills on descent into Edinburgh.
Flown MSY to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Edinburgh is 4,413 miles (7,101 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, passing over the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland, then over the open Atlantic. As the aircraft approaches the UK, it will pass over the Irish Sea and potentially over Wales or northern England depending on exact routing. The Hebrides islands and Scottish west coast may be visible on the final approach to Edinburgh from the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Pontchartrain immediately after departure, a massive shallow water body that dominates the landscape north of New Orleans. The Mississippi River delta and its intricate waterway network are also visible on the left as the aircraft climbs.
Landing at EDI
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Scottish Lowlands and the Firth of Forth as the aircraft descends toward Edinburgh. The Pentland Hills and the distinctive geography of the Lothian region are visible on approach, along with the Firth's complex coastline.
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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 Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Edinburgh. Left side wins for both departure and arrival, offering continuous scenic value: Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi delta on departure, then the Atlantic crossing, and finally the Firth of Forth and Pentland Hills on descent into Edinburgh.
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. Left side offers views of Lake Pontchartrain immediately after departure, a massive shallow water body that dominates the landscape north of New Orleans. The Mississippi River delta and its intricate waterway network are also visible on the left as the aircraft climbs. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi River delta, Gulf of Mexico coastline, New Orleans urban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Scottish Lowlands and the Firth of Forth as the aircraft descends toward Edinburgh. The Pentland Hills and the distinctive geography of the Lothian region are visible on approach, along with the Firth's complex coastline. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills, Lothian coastal plains, Edinburgh city center and surrounding urban area.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Edinburgh?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,413 miles (7,101 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, passing over the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland, then over the open Atlantic. As the aircraft approaches the UK, it will pass over the Irish Sea and potentially over Wales or northern England depending on exact routing. The Hebrides islands and Scottish west coast may be visible on the final approach to Edinburgh from the west.