While takeoff offers good Pittsburgh river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and the Hill Country terrain. The left side captures more visually interesting natural features over the flight's full duration.
Flown PIT to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Austin is 1,209 miles (1,946 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau, passing over the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee and Kentucky. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley, the Cumberland Mountains, and the transition from Appalachian terrain to the flatter Mississippi River basin. Around the midpoint near Memphis, the Mississippi River becomes visible. Further south, the terrain flattens considerably as the flight enters the Gulf Coastal Plain, with the Red River valley visible in eastern Texas before reaching the Hill Country near Austin.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Allegheny River and downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle district as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The river's distinctive curves and the city's riverfront are most visible from the right wing during initial climb-out.
Landing at AUS
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Colorado River and downtown Austin as the aircraft descends from the northeast. The river's distinctive lakes (Lake Travis and Lake Austin) and the city's central location along the river corridor are best seen from the left wing during approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Austin. While takeoff offers good Pittsburgh river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with Lake Austin, the Colorado River, and the Hill Country terrain. The left side captures more visually interesting natural features over the flight's full duration.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Allegheny River and downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle district as the aircraft climbs southwestward. The river's distinctive curves and the city's riverfront are most visible from the right wing during initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Allegheny River, Monongahela River confluence, Downtown Pittsburgh skyline, Ohio River valley to the south.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Colorado River and downtown Austin as the aircraft descends from the northeast. The river's distinctive lakes (Lake Travis and Lake Austin) and the city's central location along the river corridor are best seen from the left wing during approach. Notable sights include: Colorado River, Lake Austin, Downtown Austin skyline, Hill Country terrain to the west.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Austin?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,209 miles (1,946 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau, passing over the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee and Kentucky. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley, the Cumberland Mountains, and the transition from Appalachian terrain to the flatter Mississippi River basin. Around the midpoint near Memphis, the Mississippi River becomes visible. Further south, the terrain flattens considerably as the flight enters the Gulf Coastal Plain, with the Red River valley visible in eastern Texas before reaching the Hill Country near Austin.