About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to New York. While takeoff offers excellent delta and lake views, the landing into LGA on the left side provides the most memorable and geographically significant views—Manhattan, the East River, and New York Harbor are far more visually distinctive than the Louisiana wetlands.
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. MSY typically departs eastbound (Runways 10L/10R). Right-side seats face south toward Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River delta, offering immediate views of the water and wetlands that define New Orleans' geography. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (massive freshwater lake immediately south), Mississippi River (visible as brown ribbon curving through the delta), New Orleans city grid (visible briefly to the west), Cypress swamps and bayou channels (intricate water patterns in the delta).
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA typically lands westbound (Runways 04L/04R). Left-side seats face south during approach, providing views of the East River, Manhattan's southern tip, and the distinctive geography of New York Harbor—the most iconic urban aerial view on this route. Notable sights include: Manhattan island (dense urban grid), East River (separating Manhattan from Queens/Brooklyn), New York Harbor (Upper Bay visible), Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (visible in the harbor to the south).
How long is the flight from New Orleans to New York?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes.
What does the New Orleans to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys around 25,000-30,000 feet over Tennessee and North Carolina), the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and the Hudson River Valley approaching New York. The Appalachians appear as parallel ridge lines running northeast-southwest; the coastal plain is relatively flat and featureless at cruise altitude. Chesapeake Bay may be visible to the left (east) during the final descent phase over the Mid-Atlantic region.