Seeing Columbia University from a plane
Photo: Hstoops, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1754 and on Morningside Heights since 1897. Look for the domed Low Library above a grand quad in Upper Manhattan's grid, with the Hudson a few blocks west.
8 of our routes pass it. New York
The easy pick
New York to Lexington: sit on the left, on the climb, 1 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| New York to Lexington | Left | on the climb, 1 min after takeoff |
| New York to Little Rock | Left | on the climb, 1 min after takeoff |
| New York to Birmingham | Left | on the climb, 2 min after takeoff |
| New York to Kansas City | Left (the right side is better for the whole flight) | on the climb, 2 min after takeoff |
| New York to Jacksonville | Left | on the climb, 5 min after takeoff |
| Newark to Boston | Left (the right side is better for the whole flight) | on the climb, 4 min after takeoff |
| Newark to Halifax | Right | on the climb, 4 min after takeoff |
| Philadelphia to Albany | Left | 20 min after takeoff |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day. Where the best seat for the whole flight is on the other side, you'd trade this sight for more elsewhere.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Columbia University from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (7 of 8). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Columbia University from a plane?
Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Manhattan Central Park Yankee Stadium Robert F. Kennedy Bridge George Washington Bridge New York (LGA) Kansas City (MCI) Newark (EWR) Boston (BOS) All routes