While left seats get the Cascades at takeoff, right seats dominate the landing approach with the dramatic Lake Pontchartrain and Mississippi River views. The landing views are more visually striking and sustained during the critical descent phase.
Flown PDX to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to New Orleans is 2,047 miles (3,295 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Cascade Range, descends into the Columbia Basin, crosses the Rocky Mountains (visible as distant ranges around 35,000 ft), then transitions over the Great Plains. Around the midpoint near northern Texas/Oklahoma, the landscape becomes increasingly flat. As the flight approaches the Gulf Coast, the terrain flattens further and the Mississippi River delta becomes visible with its characteristic bayou and wetland patterns before reaching New Orleans.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTPDX typically departs runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R depending on wind. Westbound departures (runway 28) give left-seat passengers immediate views of the Cascade Range, particularly Mount Hood. Eastbound departures (runway 10) favor right seats, but westbound is more common for southbound traffic.
Landing at MSY
RIGHTMSY uses runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R. Approaches from the north typically use runway 10L/10R, putting right-seat passengers directly over Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River during descent. The river's massive crescent bend and the lake's expanse are striking visual references.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to New Orleans. While left seats get the Cascades at takeoff, right seats dominate the landing approach with the dramatic Lake Pontchartrain and Mississippi River views. The landing views are more visually striking and sustained during the critical descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PDX typically departs runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R depending on wind. Westbound departures (runway 28) give left-seat passengers immediate views of the Cascade Range, particularly Mount Hood. Eastbound departures (runway 10) favor right seats, but westbound is more common for southbound traffic. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (11,240 ft, ~50 miles east), Willamette River valley floor, Portland metro sprawl, Cascade Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. MSY uses runways 10L/10R or 28L/28R. Approaches from the north typically use runway 10L/10R, putting right-seat passengers directly over Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River during descent. The river's massive crescent bend and the lake's expanse are striking visual references. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain (massive freshwater lake north of city), Mississippi River crescent bend, New Orleans metro area, Levee system and wetlands.
How long is the flight from Portland to New Orleans?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,047 miles (3,295 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Cascade Range, descends into the Columbia Basin, crosses the Rocky Mountains (visible as distant ranges around 35,000 ft), then transitions over the Great Plains. Around the midpoint near northern Texas/Oklahoma, the landscape becomes increasingly flat. As the flight approaches the Gulf Coast, the terrain flattens further and the Mississippi River delta becomes visible with its characteristic bayou and wetland patterns before reaching New Orleans.