Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to New York. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is substantially more interesting—the East River approach, Manhattan skyline, and bridge crossings provide more distinctive visual landmarks than the departure. Most passengers prioritize landing views.

During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. YTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario's north shore, the Toronto Islands, and the city skyline receding westward. Left seats face inland toward the Greater Toronto Area sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (immediate south), Toronto Islands (southeast of departure point), CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline (west/southwest), Scarborough Bluffs (east along shoreline).

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA approaches typically use Runway 04 (northeast heading) or 22 (southwest heading). For the more common northeast approach, left-side seats offer views of the East River, Manhattan's east side, Queens neighborhoods, and the approach path over water. Right seats face away from the city toward New Jersey. Notable sights include: East River (primary visual reference during approach), Manhattan skyline (west of approach corridor), Queens neighborhoods and Flushing Bay (north and east), Whitestone Bridge or Hell Gate Bridge (visible during final descent).

The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses Lake Ontario, then follows a southeasterly route over upstate New York. Notable midpoint features include the Finger Lakes region (visible as elongated water bodies if flying at lower altitudes or during clear conditions), the Hudson River valley (becomes visible as you approach the New York metro area), and the Catskill Mountains (appear as low ridges on the western horizon during the approach phase, roughly 60 miles northwest of LGA). The Hudson River itself becomes a clear navigation reference in the final 30 minutes of flight, running north-south on the western side of the approach corridor.