Can you see Manhattan when taking off from LaGuardia? (New York: live in, airport)

[JupiterSound]

I'll have a four hour layover in New York next week. Are there any windows at LaGuardia with views of Manhattan? When taking off, what are the chances of catching a glimpse of the Empire State Building?

I live in Kansas so it's definitely a big deal to me, haha. Thanks for the help!

[rlrl]

i only use the N terminal/Airtran Concourse at LaGuardia which looks to the north so the ESB wasn't visible. I don't know about the other terminals. I would imagine the ESB should be seen easily at take off as it's only about 5 miles away but you might have to crane to see it esp if your window isn't facing in the SW direction to see the ESB

[BrownstoneNY]

If anywhere does, it would be Central Terminal, concourse D, but I don't think you can see Manhattan even there. You might get a sliver of Harlem from some angles, but probably not Midtown. You'll have a good view taking off or landing, though.

[Pruzhany]

Originally Posted by JupiterSound

... When taking off, what are the chances of catching a glimpse of the Empire State Building?

I live in Kansas so it's definitely a big deal to me, haha. Thanks for the help!

Here's a flight tracker. Look up your flight number.

LaGuardia Airport (New York, NY) KLGA / LGA Flight Tracker

[rlrl]

youd also have to know in what direction youd be taking off in and sometimes the plane makes a circle before heading out. depending on the seat youre in could mean the difference between seeing it totally, having to look out the other row's window or even missing it totally

[BinxBolling]

Depends where they route your plane. Sometimes they go straight up the Hudson--great views of Manhattan. Other times, over Brooklyn.

[bluedog2]

Originally Posted by rlrl

youd also have to know in what direction youd be taking off in and sometimes the plane makes a circle before heading out. depending on the seat youre in could mean the difference between seeing it totally, having to look out the other row's window or even missing it totally

I once had the most fantastic Manhattan view on a flight from Charleston,S.C. I had a left side window on a smallish plane and it came right up the East River on approach.It seemed like we flying at the same level as some of the buildings.It was early evening so there was still plenty of light but lots of lights were on inside the buildings too, so I could see people inside.The whole thing seemed to happen in slow motion too.It was the perfect seat on a perfect route at a perfect time of day.That's only happened once in my life.

[crescent22]

Your chances are better on landing than takeoff. If it lands on runway 4, the one pointing northeast, it can lineup over Brooklyn and head into Queens and you will see Manhattan on the left. Even the other way, landing on the same runway (now called 22) but going southwest, they can go up the Hudson and turn around (turning right) over the Bronx before crossing the East River estuary and landing.

On takeoff, your only chance is if they use the perpendicular runway (31) and take off to the northwest and you can see Manhattan going west.
Given the percentages, I'd say you want a left-side seat both ways.

Try this for something more comprehensive:
Which Side of the Plane to Sit for Views of NYC when Landing / Taking Off at LGA - FlyerTalk Forums

[Chava61]

It also depends on what the weather will be like at the time that you flying.

[BajanYankee]

Interesting question. I've always been an aisle seat guy so I've never thought about it.