While the takeoff offers excellent river views, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive coastal and urban scenery. Charleston Harbor and the historic peninsula are more photogenic and memorable than the relatively flat terrain between St. Louis and Charleston.
Flown STL to CHS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Charleston is 705 miles (1,135 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina around the midpoint. The Tennessee River valley and its reservoirs (Fontana Lake, Hiwassee Lake) may be visible on clear days. The landscape transitions from the Mississippi River valley's flat terrain to increasingly rolling hills and forested ridges as the flight progresses southeast. The Smoky Mountains remain too far south to be directly on the flight path but their northern ridges may appear on the distant horizon during the midpoint of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Mississippi River and its confluence with the Missouri River immediately after departure. The river bends distinctly southeast from Lambert, making it a prominent feature during climb-out on typical eastbound headings.
Landing at CHS
LEFTLeft side provides views of Charleston Harbor, the Ashley River, and the distinctive peninsula where downtown Charleston sits. During descent on typical westbound approach vectors, the left side faces the harbor and coastal geography that makes Charleston visually distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Charleston Afb International (CHS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Charleston. While the takeoff offers excellent river views, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive coastal and urban scenery. Charleston Harbor and the historic peninsula are more photogenic and memorable than the relatively flat terrain between St. Louis and Charleston.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Mississippi River and its confluence with the Missouri River immediately after departure. The river bends distinctly southeast from Lambert, making it a prominent feature during climb-out on typical eastbound headings. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Missouri River confluence, Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs east of the river.
What can I see when landing at Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
When landing at Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of Charleston Harbor, the Ashley River, and the distinctive peninsula where downtown Charleston sits. During descent on typical westbound approach vectors, the left side faces the harbor and coastal geography that makes Charleston visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Charleston Harbor, Ashley River, Cooper River, downtown Charleston peninsula and historic district.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Charleston?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Charleston Afb International (CHS) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 705 miles (1,135 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Charleston flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina around the midpoint. The Tennessee River valley and its reservoirs (Fontana Lake, Hiwassee Lake) may be visible on clear days. The landscape transitions from the Mississippi River valley's flat terrain to increasingly rolling hills and forested ridges as the flight progresses southeast. The Smoky Mountains remain too far south to be directly on the flight path but their northern ridges may appear on the distant horizon during the midpoint of the flight.