The right side offers the more dramatic terrain throughout the flight: the San Gabriel Mountains during climb-out, glimpses of the Tehachapi range and Sierra Nevada foothills during cruise, and the foothill and river scenery near Sacramento on descent, compared to the flatter, less distinctive Coast Range views on the left.
Flown BUR to SMF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Burbank to Sacramento is 359 miles (577 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
San Joaquin Valley farmland, Tehachapi Mountains gap, Sierra Nevada foothills to the east, Coast Ranges to the west, California Aqueduct corridor
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
RIGHTDeparting BUR on Runway 15, the aircraft climbs south over the San Fernando Valley before turning toward the Central Valley routing, putting the San Gabriel Mountains prominently on the right. These peaks, rising well above 8,000 feet, offer far more relief than the lower Santa Susana hills visible on the left.
Landing at SMF
RIGHTOn approach into SMF, the east side of the aircraft faces the Sierra Nevada foothills, with the American River and Folsom Lake area visible as green foothill terrain gives way to the flat Sacramento Valley. The west side mostly shows featureless farmland and the flatter Coast Range in the far distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Sacramento International (SMF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Sacramento. The right side offers the more dramatic terrain throughout the flight: the San Gabriel Mountains during climb-out, glimpses of the Tehachapi range and Sierra Nevada foothills during cruise, and the foothill and river scenery near Sacramento on descent, compared to the flatter, less distinctive Coast Range views on the left.
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. Departing BUR on Runway 15, the aircraft climbs south over the San Fernando Valley before turning toward the Central Valley routing, putting the San Gabriel Mountains prominently on the right. These peaks, rising well above 8,000 feet, offer far more relief than the lower Santa Susana hills visible on the left. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Verdugo Mountains, San Fernando Valley floor, Newhall Pass corridor.
What can I see when landing at Sacramento International in Sacramento?
When landing at Sacramento International (SMF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into SMF, the east side of the aircraft faces the Sierra Nevada foothills, with the American River and Folsom Lake area visible as green foothill terrain gives way to the flat Sacramento Valley. The west side mostly shows featureless farmland and the flatter Coast Range in the far distance. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada foothills, American River, Folsom Lake vicinity, Sacramento Valley farmland.
How long is the flight from Burbank to Sacramento?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Sacramento International (SMF) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 359 miles (577 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Sacramento flight path pass over?
San Joaquin Valley farmland, Tehachapi Mountains gap, Sierra Nevada foothills to the east, Coast Ranges to the west, California Aqueduct corridor