While takeoff from ABQ favors the right, the landing approach into BUR on left-side seats offers more dramatic and sustained views of significant terrain (San Gabriel Mountains) and the approach corridor over recognizable urban features. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown ABQ to BUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albuquerque to Burbank is 670 miles (1,078 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert floor, passing east of the San Bernardino Mountains. Barstow and the I-15 corridor are visible from altitude in the midpoint of the flight. The transition from high desert to coastal basin occurs gradually over the final 45 minutes, with the San Gabriel and San Fernando mountain ranges becoming increasingly prominent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABQ
RIGHTABQ typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure capture the Sandia Mountains immediately east of the airport at close range during climb-out. On a southwest departure, right seats still offer views of the Rio Grande valley and the city grid spreading south.
Landing at BUR
LEFTBUR typically uses runway 15 (southeast approach) or 33 (northwest approach). Left-side seats on a southeast approach provide excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. On a northwest approach, left seats capture views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the approach path over the San Fernando Valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albuquerque to Burbank. While takeoff from ABQ favors the right, the landing approach into BUR on left-side seats offers more dramatic and sustained views of significant terrain (San Gabriel Mountains) and the approach corridor over recognizable urban features. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
During takeoff from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. ABQ typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure capture the Sandia Mountains immediately east of the airport at close range during climb-out. On a southwest departure, right seats still offer views of the Rio Grande valley and the city grid spreading south. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (eastern escarpment), Rio Grande valley floor, Albuquerque urban grid, Manzano Mountains (distant south).
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. BUR typically uses runway 15 (southeast approach) or 33 (northwest approach). Left-side seats on a southeast approach provide excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. On a northwest approach, left seats capture views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the approach path over the San Fernando Valley. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (north and northeast), Los Angeles downtown skyline (distant southeast), San Fernando Valley urban grid, Griffith Observatory area (visible on approach).
How long is the flight from Albuquerque to Burbank?
The flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 670 miles (1,078 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albuquerque to Burbank flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert floor, passing east of the San Bernardino Mountains. Barstow and the I-15 corridor are visible from altitude in the midpoint of the flight. The transition from high desert to coastal basin occurs gradually over the final 45 minutes, with the San Gabriel and San Fernando mountain ranges becoming increasingly prominent.