Without doubt, most of the time the left side has the better view. 99%? No. Almost all approaches begin to the south of NYC (exception Boston, etc) while the final landing approaches are 95% of the time Runways 22 (North) & 31 (East).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:LGA_airport_map.gif
The approach to Runway 22 can be through either side of Manhattan while 31 can only be east of manhattan (left side has view).
Originally Posted by Dayone
An obvious and ill-informed exaggeration. The left is more likely but it really depends on wind, weather and sometimes "wings" (type of aircraft).
It's always dependent on wind. From props to 767s, all types of aircraft fly into LGA and they do not adjust the approaches/takeoffs in the middle of the day unless there is a drastic change in wind which causes significant delays on rerouting the approaches.
Originally Posted by Dayone
Sometimes they make an approach north to the west of Manhattan and then a right-turn back around. That affords some stunning close-up views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. The pax on the right get the first (better) view and then the folks on the left get the landing view (looking to the west).
This is not possible. If it's a westbound (west of manhattan) approach for Runway 22, the left side never has a view of Manhattan. The approach cuts in between EWR and Manhattan from the South up to Westchester, from which there are two consecutive hard 90 degree turns to the right straight into final approach.
Originally Posted by Flailey
All standard published approaches have Manhattan visible from left side, none of them do not have Manhattan off the left side.
Not possible as just mentioned.