Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to New York. While takeoff from Saint-Louis favors the right side, the landing approach into LaGuardia is the more visually rewarding segment of this transatlantic route. Left-side seats capture Manhattan's iconic skyline and the dramatic geography of New York Harbor during descent, which outweighs the delta views at departure.

During takeoff from Saint Louis (XLS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Saint-Louis sits on the Senegal River delta where it meets the Atlantic. Right-side seats capture the river's distinctive braided channels and the Atlantic coastline as you climb out. The city itself is small, but the river's geometry and the contrast between water and Saharan terrain are striking from altitude. Notable sights include: Senegal River delta with its branching channels, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Saharan scrubland extending inland, Langue de Barbarie (the narrow sand spit separating the river from the ocean).

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching LGA typically uses runways 04 or 22 depending on wind. For eastbound arrivals (common from Africa), you'll descend over the East River and Manhattan. Left-side seats offer the best view of Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the distinctive geography of New York Harbor as you approach from the west. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline with its clustered high-rises, East River, Hudson River, New Jersey shoreline across the Hudson.

The flight from Saint Louis (XLS) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 9.5 to 10.5 hours.

This route crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35°N latitude. You'll pass over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at cruise altitude), then approach the North American continent over Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes. The Grand Banks fishing grounds lie south of your track. As you approach the US coast, you'll cross over Nova Scotia and New England before descending into the New York area. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain are visible at cruise altitude over the open ocean, but the transition from dark ocean to the lighter continental shelf is noticeable.