Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to New York. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic—the East River, Manhattan skyline, and Bronx waterfront provide iconic geography that outweighs the takeoff advantage. Most passengers prioritize landing views on transcontinental flights.

During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. STL typically departs eastbound (Runways 30L/30R). Right-side seats face north initially, giving views of the Mississippi River's dramatic northward bend and the Gateway Arch area before the aircraft turns onto eastbound heading. Left seats see the urban sprawl of west St. Louis and Illinois farmland. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (distinctive oxbow bend north of airport), Gateway Arch (visible as a thin metallic line near downtown), downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois farmland grid extending northeast.

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA typically lands on Runways 04 or 13 (northeast or north headings). Left-side seats on approach from the southwest offer unobstructed views of the East River, Manhattan's skyline, and the Bronx waterfront. Right seats see Queens and would be blocked by the fuselage during the final approach turn. Notable sights include: East River (dark water body separating Manhattan from Queens/Bronx), Manhattan skyline with Empire State Building and Chrysler Building visible, Bronx waterfront and Harlem River, Flushing Bay and Astoria area.

The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a wrinkled terrain texture around 35,000 feet, roughly over West Virginia/eastern Kentucky); the Ohio River valley appears as a darker linear feature; Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley topography is distinctive; the Hudson River valley becomes visible in the final descent phase approaching New York.