While takeoff offers good Florida geography, the landing approach into Pittsburgh provides more dramatic and distinctive visual landmarks. The river confluence and Appalachian terrain are far more visually striking than the relatively flat central Florida landscape, making the left side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown ORL to PIT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Pittsburgh is 828 miles (1,332 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains roughly over West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. Notable features include the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachians, the New River Gorge area (visible as a deep cut through forested terrain), and the transition from coastal plain to mountain terrain. The flight typically cruises at 28,000-32,000 feet, where the Appalachian ridges appear as parallel lines running northeast-southwest, with darker forested valleys between lighter ridge tops.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Orlando metropolitan area and the chain of lakes that define central Florida's geography. The climb-out heading from ORL typically uses runways 17L/R or 35L/R; a northbound departure (17) gives right-seaters clear views of the city grid and lake systems expanding eastward.
Landing at PIT
LEFTLeft side captures the Allegheny River valley and Pittsburgh's distinctive geography as you descend into PIT. Typical landing approaches use runways 28L/R or 10L/R; a westbound approach (28) positions left-seaters to see the river confluence and downtown skyline against the surrounding Appalachian terrain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Executive (ORL) to Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Pittsburgh. While takeoff offers good Florida geography, the landing approach into Pittsburgh provides more dramatic and distinctive visual landmarks. The river confluence and Appalachian terrain are far more visually striking than the relatively flat central Florida landscape, making the left side the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Executive in Orlando?
During takeoff from Executive (ORL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Orlando metropolitan area and the chain of lakes that define central Florida's geography. The climb-out heading from ORL typically uses runways 17L/R or 35L/R; a northbound departure (17) gives right-seaters clear views of the city grid and lake systems expanding eastward. Notable sights include: Lake Eustis (northwest), Orlando downtown skyline, chain of lakes including Lake Apopka (north), suburban sprawl transitioning to pine forests.
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Allegheny River valley and Pittsburgh's distinctive geography as you descend into PIT. Typical landing approaches use runways 28L/R or 10L/R; a westbound approach (28) positions left-seaters to see the river confluence and downtown skyline against the surrounding Appalachian terrain. Notable sights include: Allegheny River and Ohio River confluence, downtown Pittsburgh skyline (Golden Triangle), Monongahela River valley, surrounding Appalachian ridges.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Pittsburgh?
The flight from Executive (ORL) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 828 miles (1,332 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains roughly over West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. Notable features include the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachians, the New River Gorge area (visible as a deep cut through forested terrain), and the transition from coastal plain to mountain terrain. The flight typically cruises at 28,000-32,000 feet, where the Appalachian ridges appear as parallel lines running northeast-southwest, with darker forested valleys between lighter ridge tops.