The right side scores higher due to the superior landing experience at Boise, where the Boise foothills and Bogus Basin provide genuine terrain drama during descent and approach. While the left side offers a pleasant San Fernando Valley departure from Burbank, the Boise arrival on the right side is more visually distinctive and memorable. The cruise phase over central Oregon and Idaho is relatively flat and featureless on both sides, so the landing sequence becomes the deciding factor.
Flown BUR to BOI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to Boise is 657 miles (1,057 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Central Oregon high desert plateau (sparse vegetation, volcanic terrain), Cascade Range foothills (distant to the west during cruise), Snake River drainage system (visible as a linear feature in southern Idaho), transition from California's populated valleys to Oregon's open rangeland
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
LEFTDeparting Burbank on Runway 15 (southbound), the left side captures the San Fernando Valley floor and the Santa Monica Mountains to the west. The right side faces inland toward the San Gabriel Mountains, which are closer but less visually distinctive during initial climb.
Landing at BOI
RIGHTArriving at Boise on Runway 28 (northwest heading), the right side captures the Boise foothills and the Bogus Basin ski area to the north and northeast. The left side faces the flatter terrain south of the airport and the Snake River plain, which is less dramatic during descent and approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Boise Air Terminal (BOI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Boise. The right side scores higher due to the superior landing experience at Boise, where the Boise foothills and Bogus Basin provide genuine terrain drama during descent and approach. While the left side offers a pleasant San Fernando Valley departure from Burbank, the Boise arrival on the right side is more visually distinctive and memorable. The cruise phase over central Oregon and Idaho is relatively flat and featureless on both sides, so the landing sequence becomes the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Burbank on Runway 15 (southbound), the left side captures the San Fernando Valley floor and the Santa Monica Mountains to the west. The right side faces inland toward the San Gabriel Mountains, which are closer but less visually distinctive during initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains (western ridge), San Fernando Valley urban sprawl, Hollywood Hills (distant), Griffith Observatory area.
What can I see when landing at Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
When landing at Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving at Boise on Runway 28 (northwest heading), the right side captures the Boise foothills and the Bogus Basin ski area to the north and northeast. The left side faces the flatter terrain south of the airport and the Snake River plain, which is less dramatic during descent and approach. Notable sights include: Boise foothills (northern ridge), Bogus Basin (ski terrain visible at altitude), Boise downtown skyline, Snake River valley floor.
How long is the flight from Burbank to Boise?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Boise Air Terminal (BOI) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 657 miles (1,057 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Boise flight path pass over?
Central Oregon high desert plateau (sparse vegetation, volcanic terrain), Cascade Range foothills (distant to the west during cruise), Snake River drainage system (visible as a linear feature in southern Idaho), transition from California's populated valleys to Oregon's open rangeland