The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain during takeoff are visually more striking than the landing approach. While the James River landing view is pleasant, the delta's scale and complexity make the right side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown MSY to RIC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Richmond is 905 miles (1,457 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Mississippi and Tennessee. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible from altitude as a broad, meandering corridor), the Tennessee River in western Tennessee, and the transition from the Mississippi Delta's flat terrain to the rolling Appalachian foothills. The Appalachian Mountains' eastern ridges become visible in the final approach phase as the aircraft descends toward Richmond.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain as the aircraft climbs northeast from MSY. The river's distinctive meanders and the lake's broad expanse are striking features during the initial climb-out phase.
Landing at RIC
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views during descent into RIC. The James River and its distinctive meanders through Richmond are clearly visible, along with the city's urban core and the surrounding Piedmont terrain. This approach typically brings the river into clear view on the left side.
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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 Richmond International (RIC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Richmond. The right side captures the most dramatic scenery: the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain during takeoff are visually more striking than the landing approach. While the James River landing view is pleasant, the delta's scale and complexity make the right side the better overall choice for this route.
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. Right side offers immediate views of the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain as the aircraft climbs northeast from MSY. The river's distinctive meanders and the lake's broad expanse are striking features during the initial climb-out phase. Notable sights include: Mississippi River delta with its branching channels, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, New Orleans urban sprawl and the Industrial Canal, Gulf of Mexico coastline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Richmond International in Richmond?
When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views during descent into RIC. The James River and its distinctive meanders through Richmond are clearly visible, along with the city's urban core and the surrounding Piedmont terrain. This approach typically brings the river into clear view on the left side. Notable sights include: James River with its characteristic bends through Richmond, the city's downtown skyline and urban grid, Piedmont rolling hills and deciduous forest, Interstate 95 corridor.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Richmond?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Richmond International (RIC) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 905 miles (1,457 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Richmond flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Mississippi and Tennessee. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible from altitude as a broad, meandering corridor), the Tennessee River in western Tennessee, and the transition from the Mississippi Delta's flat terrain to the rolling Appalachian foothills. The Appalachian Mountains' eastern ridges become visible in the final approach phase as the aircraft descends toward Richmond.