Where to sit on 7 of the most scenic US plane routes
Editor's Note
You don't have to wait until you're on the ground to begin sightseeing on your next trip. Those who routinely select the window seat know that some of the best views of the United States come from 30,000 feet up — or at least while climbing to or descending from that altitude.
Want to make an otherwise ordinary descent into Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) memorable? Grab a window seat and enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Michigan.
On your way to New York for a meeting? Enjoy a few minutes of peace on your descent into LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with a spectacular view of Manhattan out your window.
No, we’re not suggesting forgoing that family trip to see the Grand Canyon in person. However, you can often catch a glimpse of some of America’s best views without even landing in that city or state. All you need is a seat on an airplane — a window seat, that is.
Additionally, apps such as Flyover Country use scientific maps to tell you all about the points of interest that you’re passing over. All you have to do is plug in your flight path before you depart; the app works offline, so you won't be reliant on data or often-spotty inflight Wi-Fi.
There are, of course, a few major caveats for getting the full experience: You’ll get the best views of most of these sites when flying during the day, although places like Las Vegas can be quite amazing at night. Another hard-to-control factor: the weather. It can be the difference between a beautiful view of the Earth and one of clouds alone.
With luck on your side, here are the seven most scenic plane routes to remind you that they don’t call it “America the Beautiful” for nothing.
Over the Grand Canyon
As we mentioned, there’s nothing like a real visit. However, it never hurts to steal a glimpse of the Grand Canyon when you can.
There are many routes that take you over this natural wonder. These include transcontinental flights to Los Angeles, flights into Las Vegas (sit on the right side) and short-hop flights from Phoenix to Salt Lake City (your best bet is the left side). Not only can you see one of America’s greatest landmarks, but the Southwest is an incredibly beautiful region in and of itself.
New York City: Landing or taking off at LaGuardia
Walking the streets of New York, it’s easy to forget just how big the city is. The best way to get a sense of the sprawl is from the air.
Most flights in and out of LaGuardia Airport (LGA) guarantee you some version of a view of the Manhattan skyline, depending on the flight path. The left side will yield spectacular views most times, but sitting on the right may be good, too.
Winds and the runway in use will change, so it’s hard to predict where to sit, but one thing is for sure: Keep your camera or phone ready, day or night, as New York will often dazzle you even before you set foot on the ground.
Niagara Falls: Albany, New York, to Chicago
While certainly not one of America's most-traveled routes, flights from Albany International Airport (ALB) to Chicago can be a great means to an end: getting a bird’s-eye view of Niagara Falls.
Book the left side of the plane for your best shot at a view of the majesty of the falls, minus all the tourists. On a clear day, the view can rival that of those below you who shelled out money for a pricey helicopter ride. This works with flights into either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW).
Golden Gate Bridge: Landing in San Francisco
San Francisco: So much to do, so little time. In case you miss the chance to check out the Golden Gate Bridge in person, you can catch it on the way into town.
On many flights arriving from Asia or Europe or from points north of the city, a seat on the left side is a good bet for a great view of the bridge and city. Even if you only catch a quick glimpse of it like senior aviation reporter Ethan Klapper did on the final United Boeing 747 flight in 2017, it's a sight that's memorable nonetheless!
Yosemite National Park: Sacramento to Las Vegas
If you're flying from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), a flyover of California’s Yosemite National Park will send you off in style. Sit on the right side of the plane and keep your eyes peeled for the notable Half Dome.
Can’t make the flight during the day? You’ll always have the twinkling view of Vegas at night as a silver lining.
Landing in Washington, DC
The left side of the plane is a good bet when landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). If you’re lucky, your pilots will fly the so-called river visual. This winding approach over the Potomac ends in a southbound landing at Reagan. Passengers will get a view of the Washington Monument and Thomas Jefferson Memorial, among other famous sights.
If you’re sitting on the right side taking off in the opposite direction, you can also catch a pretty good view of the National Mall area. TPG's Sean Cudahy got this view of the Washington Monument, with the Capitol off in the distance, when taking off from Reagan one night in October 2019.
The volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest: Taking off or landing in Seattle
The amount of volcanic beauty packed into the Pacific Northwest is unparalleled elsewhere in the U.S. When taking off or landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you’ve got Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens and Mount Baker so close it feels like you could touch them. It reminds you of your place on Earth.
Snag a seat on the right side of the aircraft on takeoff, hope that the winds are right and departures are to the north and prepare to be in awe. On landing in Seattle, the left side is often the better choice to catch the best views.
Bottom line
Most of the time when we select a seat for a flight, we factor in things like legroom, proximity to the front of the plane and the restrooms.
There's another factor to consider next time you make a seat selection, though: whether to sit on the left side or right, in hopes of enjoying the best inflight sightseeing.
A bit of research before your next flight could go a long way toward getting you the best photos before you even land. Just be sure to book a window seat.
Additional reporting by Sean Cudahy.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.