While takeoff offers Appalachian views, the landing approach into Salt Lake City provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake. The left side captures the most impressive natural features of the destination.
Flown BHM to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Salt Lake City is 1,470 miles (2,365 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River (visible around 1 hour into flight), then the Missouri River, and passes over the Great Plains and eastern Colorado. The Rocky Mountains begin appearing around 2.5 hours into the flight, with the Laramie Range and Medicine Bow Mountains visible before reaching the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City. The terrain transitions from deciduous forests to grasslands to high desert and mountains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHM
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley as the aircraft climbs northwest out of Birmingham. The terrain rises noticeably to the east and north, creating visible elevation changes.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of the Wasatch Range and the Salt Lake Valley during descent. The dramatic mountain peaks and the urban grid of Salt Lake City are both visible on approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham International (BHM) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Salt Lake City. While takeoff offers Appalachian views, the landing approach into Salt Lake City provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake. The left side captures the most impressive natural features of the destination.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham International in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River valley as the aircraft climbs northwest out of Birmingham. The terrain rises noticeably to the east and north, creating visible elevation changes. Notable sights include: Tennessee River (visible as a winding waterway), Appalachian foothills, Birmingham urban sprawl to the left/south, Talladega National Forest (forested ridges).
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of the Wasatch Range and the Salt Lake Valley during descent. The dramatic mountain peaks and the urban grid of Salt Lake City are both visible on approach from the west. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (prominent peaks), Great Salt Lake (visible as a large body of water to the north), Salt Lake City urban area, Utah Valley (to the south).
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Birmingham International (BHM) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,470 miles (2,365 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River (visible around 1 hour into flight), then the Missouri River, and passes over the Great Plains and eastern Colorado. The Rocky Mountains begin appearing around 2.5 hours into the flight, with the Laramie Range and Medicine Bow Mountains visible before reaching the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City. The terrain transitions from deciduous forests to grasslands to high desert and mountains.