The right side wins overall because the Southern California departure view — San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains rising dramatically above the Inland Empire — is more visually spectacular than the Charlotte arrival. The midpoint scenery over the Southwest and South is relatively flat, so the takeoff view is the highlight of this route.
Flown ONT to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ontario to Charlotte is 2,074 miles (3,337 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
After climbing out of the LA Basin, the route crosses the Mojave Desert and then the lower Colorado River near Needles, CA. Over Arizona and New Mexico the terrain is high desert plateau and the southern Rockies foothills. Crossing into Texas the land flattens into the Llano Estacado and then the rolling plains. Over Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama the route passes over the Gulf Coastal Plain — heavily forested, flat, with river deltas and bayous visible in lower cloud breaks. The Appalachian foothills begin appearing subtly as you approach the Carolinas.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ONT
RIGHTONT typically departs east on runway 26R/08L. A right-side seat on an eastbound departure gives you a clear look south toward the San Gabriel Mountains and the sprawling Inland Empire grid below. You'll also catch the San Bernardino Mountains including Mt. San Gorgonio as the aircraft climbs and turns.
Landing at CLT
LEFTCLT typically lands on runways oriented northeast-southwest (runway 18C/36C or 18L/36L). On a westbound approach from the east, a left-side seat faces south and gives you a clear view of uptown Charlotte's skyline as you descend over the Piedmont. The compact cluster of skyscrapers is easy to spot against the flat wooded Carolina landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ontario International (ONT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ontario to Charlotte. The right side wins overall because the Southern California departure view — San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains rising dramatically above the Inland Empire — is more visually spectacular than the Charlotte arrival. The midpoint scenery over the Southwest and South is relatively flat, so the takeoff view is the highlight of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Ontario International in Ontario?
During takeoff from Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Right side for the best views. ONT typically departs east on runway 26R/08L. A right-side seat on an eastbound departure gives you a clear look south toward the San Gabriel Mountains and the sprawling Inland Empire grid below. You'll also catch the San Bernardino Mountains including Mt. San Gorgonio as the aircraft climbs and turns. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Mt. San Gorgonio (11,503 ft), Inland Empire urban grid, San Bernardino Valley.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. CLT typically lands on runways oriented northeast-southwest (runway 18C/36C or 18L/36L). On a westbound approach from the east, a left-side seat faces south and gives you a clear view of uptown Charlotte's skyline as you descend over the Piedmont. The compact cluster of skyscrapers is easy to spot against the flat wooded Carolina landscape. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman (north of city), Catawba River, Charlotte-Douglas airport approach over suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Ontario to Charlotte?
The flight from Ontario International (ONT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,074 miles (3,337 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ontario to Charlotte flight path pass over?
After climbing out of the LA Basin, the route crosses the Mojave Desert and then the lower Colorado River near Needles, CA. Over Arizona and New Mexico the terrain is high desert plateau and the southern Rockies foothills. Crossing into Texas the land flattens into the Llano Estacado and then the rolling plains. Over Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama the route passes over the Gulf Coastal Plain — heavily forested, flat, with river deltas and bayous visible in lower cloud breaks. The Appalachian foothills begin appearing subtly as you approach the Carolinas.