While takeoff offers good mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake—two of the most visually distinctive features of the entire flight corridor.
Flown BUR to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to Salt Lake City is 573 miles (923 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert floor with sparse development, then transitions into the high desert plateau. Notable midpoint features include the San Bernardino Mountains to the southeast (visible from either side depending on exact routing), the transition from California's Mojave into Nevada's high desert, and the approach to Utah's Basin and Range topography with increasingly visible mountain ridges as the aircraft moves northeast toward the Wasatch Front.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeast from Burbank, and right-side windows capture the dramatic peaks and ridgelines of this range as they rise sharply from the Los Angeles basin.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Salt Lake City. Aircraft approach from the west, and left windows frame the Wasatch Range and the eastern shoreline of the Great Salt Lake as the plane descends toward the runway.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Salt Lake City. While takeoff offers good mountain scenery on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake—two of the most visually distinctive features of the entire flight corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeast from Burbank, and right-side windows capture the dramatic peaks and ridgelines of this range as they rise sharply from the Los Angeles basin. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles urban sprawl to the south, San Fernando Valley floor, Verdugo Mountains to the west.
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 seats provide excellent views during the descent into Salt Lake City. Aircraft approach from the west, and left windows frame the Wasatch Range and the eastern shoreline of the Great Salt Lake as the plane descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Great Salt Lake eastern shore, Salt Lake City urban area, Oquirrh Mountains to the west.
How long is the flight from Burbank to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 573 miles (923 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert floor with sparse development, then transitions into the high desert plateau. Notable midpoint features include the San Bernardino Mountains to the southeast (visible from either side depending on exact routing), the transition from California's Mojave into Nevada's high desert, and the approach to Utah's Basin and Range topography with increasingly visible mountain ridges as the aircraft moves northeast toward the Wasatch Front.