St. Louis to New York flight path: STL to LGA

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to New York. While the St. Louis departure offers a brief but nice look at the Gateway Arch, the left side's payoff on arrival — a close, extended view of the Manhattan skyline and East River during the LGA approach — is far more dramatic and memorable, giving the left side the edge for the full flight.

During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing STL to the east, the aircraft's turn takes it south of the runway heading, putting downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch, and the Mississippi River riverfront into view on the right side just after liftoff. The left side only shows flat Missouri/Illinois farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Gateway Arch, Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline, Busch Stadium.

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into LGA runway 04, the aircraft flies northeast from over Brooklyn/Queens, putting Manhattan off to the left as it lines up with the runway. This gives left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Central Park in the final minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center), Central Park, East River, Roosevelt Island.

The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 886 miles (1,426 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Flat farmland of Indiana and Ohio, the Ohio River valley near Cincinnati, and the low ridges of the Allegheny Plateau as the route approaches Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania