While takeoff offers some plateau views on the left, the landing descent provides superior scenery with the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains and Coachella Valley, making the right side the better overall choice for this westbound route.
Flown AUS to PSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Austin to Palm Springs is 1,130 miles (1,819 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Pecos River valley, Davis Mountains (distant southern view), Chisos Mountains (far south near Big Bend), transition from Texas Hill Country to Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico-Texas border region, Rio Grande valley (southern horizon), approach to Arizona with increasing desert terrain and scattered mesas
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Colorado River and the Edwards Plateau terrain as the aircraft climbs westward out of Austin. Right side faces inland toward central Texas scrubland with fewer distinctive landmarks.
Landing at PSP
RIGHTRight side provides views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the Coachella Valley floor during descent into Palm Springs. Left side faces toward the Mojave Desert with fewer visually distinctive features during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Palm Springs International (PSP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Palm Springs. While takeoff offers some plateau views on the left, the landing descent provides superior scenery with the dramatic San Jacinto Mountains and Coachella Valley, making the right side the better overall choice for this westbound route.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Colorado River and the Edwards Plateau terrain as the aircraft climbs westward out of Austin. Right side faces inland toward central Texas scrubland with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: Colorado River (visible as it winds through the plateau), Edwards Plateau escarpment, Lake Travis (if climbing on northern departure corridor), Hill Country terrain.
What can I see when landing at Palm Springs International in Palm Springs?
When landing at Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the Coachella Valley floor during descent into Palm Springs. Left side faces toward the Mojave Desert with fewer visually distinctive features during final approach. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Mountains (prominent peak-studded ridge), Coachella Valley floor, San Gorgonio Pass, Palm Springs urban area.
How long is the flight from Austin to Palm Springs?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Palm Springs International (PSP) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,130 miles (1,819 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Austin to Palm Springs flight path pass over?
Pecos River valley, Davis Mountains (distant southern view), Chisos Mountains (far south near Big Bend), transition from Texas Hill Country to Chihuahuan Desert, New Mexico-Texas border region, Rio Grande valley (southern horizon), approach to Arizona with increasing desert terrain and scattered mesas