New Orleans to Portland flight path: MSY to PWM

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Portland. While both directions offer scenic value, right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the Mississippi delta and Lake Pontchartrain during departure are more dramatic than the landing approach, and the right side also provides views of the Appalachian foothills during the cruise phase over the mid-Atlantic states.

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 the aircraft climbs northeastward out of MSY. The lake's expansive water surface and barrier islands are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Mississippi River delta and distributaries, Gulf of Mexico coastline, New Orleans urban area.

When landing at Portland International Jetport (PWM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into PWM, showing the Atlantic coastline, Casco Bay, and the rocky Maine coast with its characteristic inlets and peninsulas. These features are visually striking and directly along the approach path. Notable sights include: Casco Bay with its islands, Atlantic coastline and rocky headlands, Presumpscot River estuary, Portland Harbor.

The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Portland International Jetport (PWM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,445 miles (2,326 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines in Tennessee and Kentucky), the Ohio River valley, and the Atlantic coastal plain. The Smoky Mountains and Cumberland Plateau are notable terrain features along the northeastward routing.