When filing a VFR flight plan, what altitude should you enter if you plan to fly at multiple altitudes?

When filing a VFR flight plan, it is important to specify the initial cruising altitude you plan to use for the majority of your flight. This provides air traffic control with valuable information about your intended flight profile and helps them manage airspace more effectively. By indicating the initial cruising altitude, you ensure that you are properly sequenced with other air traffic and are utilizing the correct altitude for the route you will take at the beginning of your flight.

Choosing the altitude of your first maneuver or the highest altitude planned does not necessarily portray the true nature of your flight profile, as it may misleadingly suggest deviations or maneuvers that could cause air traffic control confusion. Mentioning your destination altitude is also not practical, as it might not represent the actual altitude at which you will be flying for the majority of your route. Therefore, the initial cruising altitude serves as an accurate benchmark for your flight plan.