The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Pittsburgh three-rivers confluence view on departure, which is one of the most visually distinctive urban geography shots in the eastern US. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the takeoff view is the highlight of this short flight and tips the balance to the left.
Flown PIT to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Charlotte is 367 miles (590 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast across the Allegheny Plateau in southwestern Pennsylvania, then crosses into West Virginia briefly before entering the Virginia and North Carolina Piedmont. The Blue Ridge Mountains are visible to the east as a long ridgeline during cruise. The New River Gorge area of West Virginia passes below in the early portion of the flight. As you descend into Charlotte, the terrain flattens dramatically from the Appalachian foothills into the broad Carolina Piedmont.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
LEFTPittsburgh International sits west of the city, and departures heading southeast toward Charlotte typically use runways oriented to the east. The left side gives you a clear view of downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet the Ohio, plus the dense river valley topography of western Pennsylvania as you climb out.
Landing at CLT
RIGHTCharlotte Douglas primarily uses its north-south runways, with arrivals often coming from the north. On approach from the north, the right side faces west and gives you a clear look at the Charlotte city skyline and the broader Piedmont landscape as you descend. The left side faces east toward less distinctive suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Charlotte. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Pittsburgh three-rivers confluence view on departure, which is one of the most visually distinctive urban geography shots in the eastern US. The right side has a slight edge on landing, but the takeoff view is the highlight of this short flight and tips the balance to the left.
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. Pittsburgh International sits west of the city, and departures heading southeast toward Charlotte typically use runways oriented to the east. The left side gives you a clear view of downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers meet the Ohio, plus the dense river valley topography of western Pennsylvania as you climb out. Notable sights include: Downtown Pittsburgh's Golden Triangle and three rivers confluence, Monongahela River valley, Allegheny River bends to the northeast, Pittsburgh's South Hills neighborhoods.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily uses its north-south runways, with arrivals often coming from the north. On approach from the north, the right side faces west and gives you a clear look at the Charlotte city skyline and the broader Piedmont landscape as you descend. The left side faces east toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Charlotte uptown skyline, Lake Norman to the north, Catawba River corridor, Charlotte Motor Speedway visible to the northeast.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Charlotte?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 367 miles (590 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Charlotte flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across the Allegheny Plateau in southwestern Pennsylvania, then crosses into West Virginia briefly before entering the Virginia and North Carolina Piedmont. The Blue Ridge Mountains are visible to the east as a long ridgeline during cruise. The New River Gorge area of West Virginia passes below in the early portion of the flight. As you descend into Charlotte, the terrain flattens dramatically from the Appalachian foothills into the broad Carolina Piedmont.