The left side wins thanks to the strong, well-defined Pittsburgh river and skyline views at takeoff, which carry more visual drama than the brief, distant Paris glimpse on arrival. Most of the flight is spent over the open North Atlantic, so the deciding factor is the departure sequence.
Flown PIT to CDG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Paris is 3,900 miles (6,276 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean crossing, Newfoundland coastline, approach toward the Irish coast near County Kerry before continuing over the Celtic Sea and English Channel toward France
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
LEFTDeparting PIT on runway 28, the climbing turn toward the northeast puts Pittsburgh's famous Three Rivers confluence (Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio) and the downtown skyline on the left side of the aircraft. The rolling ridges of the Allegheny Plateau also unfold on that side as the plane climbs.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTOn the typical westerly approach into CDG, the aircraft swings south of the city before turning onto final for the southern runway pair, briefly placing the Paris skyline—La Défense and the Eiffel Tower area—within view on the right side. The Seine's looping course through the city is also visible from that angle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Paris. The left side wins thanks to the strong, well-defined Pittsburgh river and skyline views at takeoff, which carry more visual drama than the brief, distant Paris glimpse on arrival. Most of the flight is spent over the open North Atlantic, so the deciding factor is the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PIT on runway 28, the climbing turn toward the northeast puts Pittsburgh's famous Three Rivers confluence (Allegheny, Monongahela, Ohio) and the downtown skyline on the left side of the aircraft. The rolling ridges of the Allegheny Plateau also unfold on that side as the plane climbs. Notable sights include: Pittsburgh Three Rivers confluence, Downtown Pittsburgh skyline, Allegheny Plateau ridgelines, Monongahela River valley.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical westerly approach into CDG, the aircraft swings south of the city before turning onto final for the southern runway pair, briefly placing the Paris skyline—La Défense and the Eiffel Tower area—within view on the right side. The Seine's looping course through the city is also visible from that angle. Notable sights include: Paris skyline (La Défense, Eiffel Tower vicinity), Seine River bends, Charles de Gaulle terminal complex, French farmland mosaic.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Paris?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,900 miles (6,276 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Paris flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean crossing, Newfoundland coastline, approach toward the Irish coast near County Kerry before continuing over the Celtic Sea and English Channel toward France