Right-side seats win for the full journey. Takeoff offers immediate dramatic views of the Sandia Mountains, and the westbound flight path over northern Arizona and southern Nevada provides consistent views of the Colorado Plateau, Grand Canyon region, and eventually the Sierra Nevada as you approach California. Left seats see mostly desert floor and plateau terrain during cruise.
Flown ABQ to OAK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albuquerque to Oakland is 887 miles (1,427 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
Colorado Plateau (northern Arizona, visible as high desert terrain with subtle buttes and mesas), Grand Canyon region (if flight path passes north of direct route, visible as a subtle linear depression in the plateau), Lake Mead (if visible on southern routing, appears as a blue reservoir amid tan desert), Virgin Mountains (northwestern Arizona/southern Nevada, low ridges), Mojave Desert (southern California, flat tan expanse with sparse vegetation), Sierra Nevada range (eastern California, visible as a major north-south mountain chain on the right side during descent into Oakland area)
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABQ
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Sandia Mountains immediately east of Albuquerque during climb-out. The aircraft departs westbound, so the right wing offers direct views of this prominent range as it recedes beneath the aircraft.
Landing at OAK
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during the eastbound approach to Oakland. The aircraft descends over the San Francisco Bay and East Bay hills, and left seats face the bay waters, Hayward Hills, and the Oakland Hills during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albuquerque to Oakland. Right-side seats win for the full journey. Takeoff offers immediate dramatic views of the Sandia Mountains, and the westbound flight path over northern Arizona and southern Nevada provides consistent views of the Colorado Plateau, Grand Canyon region, and eventually the Sierra Nevada as you approach California. Left seats see mostly desert floor and plateau terrain during cruise.
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. Right-side seats capture the Sandia Mountains immediately east of Albuquerque during climb-out. The aircraft departs westbound, so the right wing offers direct views of this prominent range as it recedes beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (east), Rio Grande valley floor (west), Albuquerque urban grid (directly below during initial climb), West Mesa plateau (northwest).
What can I see when landing at Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
When landing at Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during the eastbound approach to Oakland. The aircraft descends over the San Francisco Bay and East Bay hills, and left seats face the bay waters, Hayward Hills, and the Oakland Hills during final approach. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (west and center), East Bay Hills/Hayward Hills (east), Oakland urban area (below during descent), Mount Diablo (distant southeast on horizon).
How long is the flight from Albuquerque to Oakland?
The flight from Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) to Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 887 miles (1,427 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albuquerque to Oakland flight path pass over?
Colorado Plateau (northern Arizona, visible as high desert terrain with subtle buttes and mesas), Grand Canyon region (if flight path passes north of direct route, visible as a subtle linear depression in the plateau), Lake Mead (if visible on southern routing, appears as a blue reservoir amid tan desert), Virgin Mountains (northwestern Arizona/southern Nevada, low ridges), Mojave Desert (southern California, flat tan expanse with sparse vegetation), Sierra Nevada range (eastern California, visible as a major north-south mountain chain on the right side during descent into Oakland area)