Right-side seats provide superior views on both departure and arrival. The northbound flight path follows the Mississippi River valley, and right seats offer consistent views of the river's meanders, the transition from Louisiana's delta terrain to Missouri's river bluffs, and both cities' key landmarks.
Flown MSY to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to St. Louis is 605 miles (974 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path follows the Mississippi River northward through central Louisiana and into Arkansas. Notable features include the river's major meanders near Vicksburg, Mississippi (approximately 45 minutes into flight), the transition from flat delta terrain to slightly elevated bluff country, and the Arkansas-Missouri border region where the river valley becomes more pronounced. The river remains the dominant geographic reference throughout the flight, visible from cruising altitude as a continuous brown ribbon winding through increasingly forested terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTMSY typically departs on Runway 10L/10R (eastbound) or 28L/28R (westbound). Eastbound departures favor right seats for views of Lake Pontchartrain's northern shore and the Mississippi River delta. Westbound departures on right seats show the city grid and industrial areas along the river.
Landing at STL
RIGHTApproach to STL typically uses Runways 30L/30R (eastbound) or 12L/12R (westbound). Right-seat passengers on eastbound approaches see the Mississippi River valley, the city of St. Louis on the western bank, and the Gateway Arch as the descent progresses. Westbound approaches also favor right seats for river and city views.
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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 Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to St. Louis. Right-side seats provide superior views on both departure and arrival. The northbound flight path follows the Mississippi River valley, and right seats offer consistent views of the river's meanders, the transition from Louisiana's delta terrain to Missouri's river bluffs, and both cities' key landmarks.
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 on Runway 10L/10R (eastbound) or 28L/28R (westbound). Eastbound departures favor right seats for views of Lake Pontchartrain's northern shore and the Mississippi River delta. Westbound departures on right seats show the city grid and industrial areas along the river. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (north), Mississippi River meanders (south/southwest), New Orleans city grid and CBD (west), industrial canal and port facilities (immediate vicinity).
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to STL typically uses Runways 30L/30R (eastbound) or 12L/12R (westbound). Right-seat passengers on eastbound approaches see the Mississippi River valley, the city of St. Louis on the western bank, and the Gateway Arch as the descent progresses. Westbound approaches also favor right seats for river and city views. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (dominant feature, flowing north-south), St. Louis city skyline and Gateway Arch (west bank), Illinois bluffs and terrain (east bank), Lambert Airport runways and surrounding suburban development.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to St. Louis?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 605 miles (974 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path follows the Mississippi River northward through central Louisiana and into Arkansas. Notable features include the river's major meanders near Vicksburg, Mississippi (approximately 45 minutes into flight), the transition from flat delta terrain to slightly elevated bluff country, and the Arkansas-Missouri border region where the river valley becomes more pronounced. The river remains the dominant geographic reference throughout the flight, visible from cruising altitude as a continuous brown ribbon winding through increasingly forested terrain.