Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff views of the Mississippi delta and Lake Pontchartrain are exceptional, and the right side maintains good visibility of the Great Basin terrain during cruise. While the landing favors the left, the extended duration of quality views on the right makes it the better overall choice.
Flown MSY to RNO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Reno is 1,789 miles (2,879 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Texas and into New Mexico, passing east of the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains). Notable features include the Colorado River drainage system in west-central Texas, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso (visible from either side depending on exact routing), and the transition from high plains to the Basin and Range topography of Nevada. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and other ranges of northern New Mexico appear on the left during the western portion of cruise. As the aircraft approaches Nevada, the Great Basin's characteristic north-south trending mountain ranges and intervening valleys become increasingly prominent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain as the aircraft climbs northwest from MSY. The river's distinctive braided channels and the lake's broad expanse are prominent during the initial 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at RNO
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into RNO. The Sierra Nevada range becomes prominent on the left as the aircraft approaches from the west, with Lake Tahoe visible just north of the flight path. The high desert terrain and Reno's urban area appear on the left side during final approach.
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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 Reno Tahoe International (RNO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Reno. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff views of the Mississippi delta and Lake Pontchartrain are exceptional, and the right side maintains good visibility of the Great Basin terrain during cruise. While the landing favors the left, the extended duration of quality views on the right makes it the better overall choice.
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 seats capture the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain as the aircraft climbs northwest from MSY. The river's distinctive braided channels and the lake's broad expanse are prominent during the initial 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Mississippi River delta (braided channels), Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans urban sprawl, Gulf of Mexico coastline to the south.
What can I see when landing at Reno Tahoe International in Reno?
When landing at Reno Tahoe International (RNO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into RNO. The Sierra Nevada range becomes prominent on the left as the aircraft approaches from the west, with Lake Tahoe visible just north of the flight path. The high desert terrain and Reno's urban area appear on the left side during final approach. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada mountain range, Lake Tahoe (northern edge), Washoe Valley, Reno urban area.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Reno?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Reno Tahoe International (RNO) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,789 miles (2,879 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Reno flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Texas and into New Mexico, passing east of the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains). Notable features include the Colorado River drainage system in west-central Texas, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso (visible from either side depending on exact routing), and the transition from high plains to the Basin and Range topography of Nevada. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains and other ranges of northern New Mexico appear on the left during the western portion of cruise. As the aircraft approaches Nevada, the Great Basin's characteristic north-south trending mountain ranges and intervening valleys become increasingly prominent.