The right side offers solid views during the Boise departure over the Snake River Plain and southern Idaho terrain, but the Las Vegas arrival on the right is the highlight of this flight — the Strip approach is one of the more visually dramatic urban arrivals in the US, and Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon add geological interest. The right side wins on the strength of the arrival.
Flown BOI to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boise to Las Vegas is 520 miles (837 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
The flight tracks south over the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho, then crosses into Nevada over the high desert basin-and-range terrain. The Jarbidge Mountains and Independence Mountains of northern Nevada pass below, followed by the broad flat expanses of central Nevada's Great Basin. The Nevada desert shows classic basin-and-range topography — parallel north-south mountain ridges separated by flat dry valleys — for much of the cruise. The Spring Mountains become visible well before Las Vegas as the terrain descends toward the Mojave.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOI
LEFTBoise typically departs south on runway 28L/10R or uses runway 10, heading southeast toward Las Vegas. A left-side seat gives you views over downtown Boise and the Boise River greenbelt during initial climb, then the Owyhee Mountains come into view to the southwest. The Snake River Plain stretches out clearly on the left as you turn south.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTLas Vegas arrivals typically come in from the north on runway 26L or 19R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northwest and turns over the valley. A right-side seat gives you the Las Vegas Strip running north-south in clear view during the descent, with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon visible to the west. Lake Mead is also visible to the right on the approach from the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boise to Las Vegas. The right side offers solid views during the Boise departure over the Snake River Plain and southern Idaho terrain, but the Las Vegas arrival on the right is the highlight of this flight — the Strip approach is one of the more visually dramatic urban arrivals in the US, and Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon add geological interest. The right side wins on the strength of the arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
During takeoff from Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Boise typically departs south on runway 28L/10R or uses runway 10, heading southeast toward Las Vegas. A left-side seat gives you views over downtown Boise and the Boise River greenbelt during initial climb, then the Owyhee Mountains come into view to the southwest. The Snake River Plain stretches out clearly on the left as you turn south. Notable sights include: Downtown Boise grid and the State Capitol dome, Boise River and its greenbelt corridor, Owyhee Mountains to the southwest, Snake River Plain extending west.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Las Vegas arrivals typically come in from the north on runway 26L or 19R, meaning the aircraft approaches from the north-northwest and turns over the valley. A right-side seat gives you the Las Vegas Strip running north-south in clear view during the descent, with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon visible to the west. Lake Mead is also visible to the right on the approach from the north. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip casino corridor, Lake Mead to the northeast, Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment to the west, Henderson and Boulder City urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Boise to Las Vegas?
The flight from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 520 miles (837 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boise to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south over the Snake River Plain in southern Idaho, then crosses into Nevada over the high desert basin-and-range terrain. The Jarbidge Mountains and Independence Mountains of northern Nevada pass below, followed by the broad flat expanses of central Nevada's Great Basin. The Nevada desert shows classic basin-and-range topography — parallel north-south mountain ridges separated by flat dry valleys — for much of the cruise. The Spring Mountains become visible well before Las Vegas as the terrain descends toward the Mojave.