The right side wins primarily on departure drama — the turquoise waters and green peaks of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands make for a striking start — while the left side offers little but open Atlantic and flat Carolina terrain for most of the flight.
Flown STT to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Thomas to Charlotte is 1,522 miles (2,449 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean crossing east of the Bahamas, with the Exuma Cays and Andros Island occasionally visible below during the mid-cruise portion of the route before the coastline of Georgia and South Carolina comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STT
RIGHTDeparting STT on Runway 28 heads west over open water, then the aircraft banks right onto its northwesterly course toward the mainland. That turn puts St. Thomas's harbor, Water Island, and the emerald hills of St. John and the British Virgin Islands right outside the right-side windows before the plane climbs away from the Caribbean.
Landing at CLT
RIGHTIn Charlotte's more common south-flow pattern, arrivals from the south are vectored north past the field before turning back to align with Runway 18. That maneuver briefly swings the Charlotte skyline and Uptown high-rises into view on the right side before the final turn onto the rolling Piedmont approach.
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 Cyril E King (STT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Thomas to Charlotte. The right side wins primarily on departure drama — the turquoise waters and green peaks of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands make for a striking start — while the left side offers little but open Atlantic and flat Carolina terrain for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cyril E King in St. Thomas?
During takeoff from Cyril E King (STT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing STT on Runway 28 heads west over open water, then the aircraft banks right onto its northwesterly course toward the mainland. That turn puts St. Thomas's harbor, Water Island, and the emerald hills of St. John and the British Virgin Islands right outside the right-side windows before the plane climbs away from the Caribbean. Notable sights include: Charlotte Amalie harbor, Water Island, St. John, British Virgin Islands silhouette.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Right side for the best views. In Charlotte's more common south-flow pattern, arrivals from the south are vectored north past the field before turning back to align with Runway 18. That maneuver briefly swings the Charlotte skyline and Uptown high-rises into view on the right side before the final turn onto the rolling Piedmont approach. Notable sights include: Charlotte Uptown skyline, Catawba River tributaries, Piedmont rolling farmland.
How long is the flight from St. Thomas to Charlotte?
The flight from Cyril E King (STT) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,522 miles (2,449 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Thomas to Charlotte flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean crossing east of the Bahamas, with the Exuma Cays and Andros Island occasionally visible below during the mid-cruise portion of the route before the coastline of Georgia and South Carolina comes into view.