While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach—which offers extended views of Costa Rica's most dramatic geography (the Central Valley, volcanoes, and surrounding terrain)—is more visually rewarding and comprises the majority of the descent phase.
Flown CDC to SJO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cedar City to San Jose is 2,623 miles (4,222 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses southern Nevada and Arizona, passing east of Las Vegas airspace, then continues south over northwestern Arizona and the Arizona-Mexico border region. Visible features include the Grand Canyon region (if routed slightly east), the Colorado River corridor, and the Sonoran Desert. After crossing Mexico, the route enters Central America over Jalisco or Nayarit, then continues southeast over Mexico's Pacific coastal plain and into Guatemala and Honduras airspace before reaching Costa Rica. The Sierra Madre Occidental and various volcanic peaks in Mexico may be visible depending on exact routing and altitude.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDC
LEFTCedar City Regional typically departs to the north or northeast. Left-side seats offer views of the Markagunt Plateau and the red rock formations of the Escalante region immediately after climb-out, which are striking from 5,000-10,000 feet.
Landing at SJO
RIGHTApproach to San Jose typically comes from the northwest on final descent. Right-side seats provide views of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, the Meseta Central with San Jose visible below, and the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Central to the east during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cedar City to San Jose. While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach—which offers extended views of Costa Rica's most dramatic geography (the Central Valley, volcanoes, and surrounding terrain)—is more visually rewarding and comprises the majority of the descent phase.
What can I see during takeoff from Cedar City Rgnl in Cedar City?
During takeoff from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Cedar City Regional typically departs to the north or northeast. Left-side seats offer views of the Markagunt Plateau and the red rock formations of the Escalante region immediately after climb-out, which are striking from 5,000-10,000 feet. Notable sights include: Markagunt Plateau, Escalante Petrified Forest State Park red cliffs, Hurricane Cliffs to the west, Pine Valley Mountains to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
When landing at Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to San Jose typically comes from the northwest on final descent. Right-side seats provide views of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, the Meseta Central with San Jose visible below, and the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Central to the east during descent. Notable sights include: Meseta Central (Central Plateau), Cordillera Central volcanic peaks (Poás and Barva volcanoes), San Jose city sprawl, Río Grande de Tárcoles valley to the west.
How long is the flight from Cedar City to San Jose?
The flight from Cedar City Rgnl (CDC) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,623 miles (4,222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cedar City to San Jose flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses southern Nevada and Arizona, passing east of Las Vegas airspace, then continues south over northwestern Arizona and the Arizona-Mexico border region. Visible features include the Grand Canyon region (if routed slightly east), the Colorado River corridor, and the Sonoran Desert. After crossing Mexico, the route enters Central America over Jalisco or Nayarit, then continues southeast over Mexico's Pacific coastal plain and into Guatemala and Honduras airspace before reaching Costa Rica. The Sierra Madre Occidental and various volcanic peaks in Mexico may be visible depending on exact routing and altitude.