While takeoff favors left seats for Auckland's harbours and volcanic features, the landing approach into San Diego strongly favors right seats for the dramatic Pacific coastline, Point Loma, and San Diego Bay. The landing view is more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff.
Flown AKL to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Auckland to San Diego is 6,512 miles (10,480 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
This transpacific route crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 10-12 hours. The flight path passes south of Hawaii (typically 500+ miles south of the Big Island). Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass near or south of the Line Islands. The vast open ocean dominates the midpoint, with occasional cumulus cloud formations and the curvature of the Earth becoming apparent at cruise altitude. No land is visible for the majority of the journey between New Zealand and North America.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AKL
LEFTAuckland typically departs runway 03L/03R (northbound) or 21L/21R (southbound). Left seats offer views of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour during northbound departures, with the city receding beneath you. Southbound departures show the Manukau Harbour and Waitakere Ranges to the left.
Landing at SAN
RIGHTSan Diego typically lands runway 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Right seats during eastbound approaches offer views of the Pacific coastline, Mission Bay, and Point Loma peninsula. Westbound approaches show San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline to the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to San Diego. While takeoff favors left seats for Auckland's harbours and volcanic features, the landing approach into San Diego strongly favors right seats for the dramatic Pacific coastline, Point Loma, and San Diego Bay. The landing view is more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Auckland typically departs runway 03L/03R (northbound) or 21L/21R (southbound). Left seats offer views of the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour during northbound departures, with the city receding beneath you. Southbound departures show the Manukau Harbour and Waitakere Ranges to the left. Notable sights include: Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto Island (volcanic cone), Waitakere Ranges.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. San Diego typically lands runway 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Right seats during eastbound approaches offer views of the Pacific coastline, Mission Bay, and Point Loma peninsula. Westbound approaches show San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline to the right. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, Point Loma peninsula, Mission Bay.
How long is the flight from Auckland to San Diego?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,512 miles (10,480 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Auckland to San Diego flight path pass over?
This transpacific route crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks visible for roughly 10-12 hours. The flight path passes south of Hawaii (typically 500+ miles south of the Big Island). Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass near or south of the Line Islands. The vast open ocean dominates the midpoint, with occasional cumulus cloud formations and the curvature of the Earth becoming apparent at cruise altitude. No land is visible for the majority of the journey between New Zealand and North America.