Right-side seats win overall because the departure view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is more dramatic and sustained than the landing approach. While the Manhattan landing is iconic, it's brief and compressed. The mountain scenery during climb-out offers 15-20 minutes of continuous, visually distinctive terrain.
Flown ROA to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Roanoke to New York is 405 miles (652 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains (first 30 minutes), Appalachian ridgelines through West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, Ohio River valley near Huntington WV, transition to Appalachian plateau, Potomac River near Washington DC airspace, Chesapeake Bay (visible to the south during cruise), Delaware River valley approaching New York, Hudson River valley on final descent into LaGuardia
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ROA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeast out of Roanoke, and right-side windows frame the ridgelines and valleys of this prominent Appalachian range as they recede northeastward.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best views during descent into LaGuardia. The approach path brings aircraft down over the Hudson River and Manhattan, with left-side windows framing the East River, Roosevelt Island, and the Manhattan skyline as the aircraft descends toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Roanoke to New York. Right-side seats win overall because the departure view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is more dramatic and sustained than the landing approach. While the Manhattan landing is iconic, it's brief and compressed. The mountain scenery during climb-out offers 15-20 minutes of continuous, visually distinctive terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport in Roanoke?
During takeoff from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeast out of Roanoke, and right-side windows frame the ridgelines and valleys of this prominent Appalachian range as they recede northeastward. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke Valley floor, Smith Mountain Lake (visible to the south during initial climb), Catawba Mountain ridge.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during descent into LaGuardia. The approach path brings aircraft down over the Hudson River and Manhattan, with left-side windows framing the East River, Roosevelt Island, and the Manhattan skyline as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Hudson River, East River, Manhattan skyline and Central Park, Roosevelt Island and Queensboro Bridge.
How long is the flight from Roanoke to New York?
The flight from Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 405 miles (652 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Roanoke to New York flight path pass over?
Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains (first 30 minutes), Appalachian ridgelines through West Virginia and eastern Kentucky, Ohio River valley near Huntington WV, transition to Appalachian plateau, Potomac River near Washington DC airspace, Chesapeake Bay (visible to the south during cruise), Delaware River valley approaching New York, Hudson River valley on final descent into LaGuardia