While takeoff offers good Richmond valley views, the landing approach into New Orleans provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Mississippi River's massive meanders and the delta landscape are far more visually striking than the Piedmont terrain during departure.
Flown RIC to MSY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Richmond to New Orleans is 905 miles (1,457 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses central North Carolina and South Carolina, passing over the Piedmont region (rolling terrain, sparse mountains), then transitions into the Coastal Plain. Notable features include the Neuse River valley in eastern North Carolina, the Cape Fear River region, and the transition into the flat, swampy terrain of South Carolina's Low Country. The Atlantic Coastal Plain dominates the latter half of the flight, with increasing water features (rivers, swamps, and coastal marshes) as you approach Louisiana.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RIC
RIGHTRichmond's primary runways (01L/01R and 19L/19R) typically depart southwestward. Right-side seats offer views of the James River valley and the transition from Richmond's urban core to the Piedmont region as you climb out.
Landing at MSY
LEFTApproaching MSY from the northeast (typical arrival vector), left-side seats face toward the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain. You'll see the dramatic transition from swampland to the river's massive meanders and New Orleans' crescent-shaped geography as you descend.
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 Richmond International (RIC) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Richmond to New Orleans. While takeoff offers good Richmond valley views, the landing approach into New Orleans provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the Mississippi River's massive meanders and the delta landscape are far more visually striking than the Piedmont terrain during departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Richmond International in Richmond?
During takeoff from Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Richmond's primary runways (01L/01R and 19L/19R) typically depart southwestward. Right-side seats offer views of the James River valley and the transition from Richmond's urban core to the Piedmont region as you climb out. Notable sights include: James River (winding through downtown Richmond), Richmond city grid and neighborhoods, Piedmont plateau terrain rising to the southwest, Route 64 corridor heading toward the Blue Ridge.
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 Left side for the best views. Approaching MSY from the northeast (typical arrival vector), left-side seats face toward the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain. You'll see the dramatic transition from swampland to the river's massive meanders and New Orleans' crescent-shaped geography as you descend. Notable sights include: Mississippi River with its distinctive oxbow bends, Lake Pontchartrain to the north, New Orleans' crescent-shaped urban footprint along the river, Louisiana bayou and wetland landscape.
How long is the flight from Richmond to New Orleans?
The flight from Richmond International (RIC) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 905 miles (1,457 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Richmond to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central North Carolina and South Carolina, passing over the Piedmont region (rolling terrain, sparse mountains), then transitions into the Coastal Plain. Notable features include the Neuse River valley in eastern North Carolina, the Cape Fear River region, and the transition into the flat, swampy terrain of South Carolina's Low Country. The Atlantic Coastal Plain dominates the latter half of the flight, with increasing water features (rivers, swamps, and coastal marshes) as you approach Louisiana.