While both ends of the flight favor brief left-side city views, the long cruise segment crosses near the southern Rockies, the San Juan Mountains, and skirts within sight of the Grand Canyon region to the north, giving the right side more sustained dramatic terrain over the bulk of the flight.
Flown CMH to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Columbus to San Diego is 1,960 miles (3,154 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains, San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Grand Canyon region of northern Arizona, Sonoran Desert basins
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMH
LEFTDeparting CMH on the 28 side, the aircraft climbs northwest then banks south-southwest, putting downtown Columbus and the Scioto River briefly into view on the left before the flat Ohio farmland takes over on both sides.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the standard approach to Runway 27, the aircraft descends over Mission Valley and banks over Balboa Park before crossing directly above downtown San Diego's skyline and the bay, all visible on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to San Diego. While both ends of the flight favor brief left-side city views, the long cruise segment crosses near the southern Rockies, the San Juan Mountains, and skirts within sight of the Grand Canyon region to the north, giving the right side more sustained dramatic terrain over the bulk of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing CMH on the 28 side, the aircraft climbs northwest then banks south-southwest, putting downtown Columbus and the Scioto River briefly into view on the left before the flat Ohio farmland takes over on both sides. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, Ohio State University campus, surrounding farmland grid.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard approach to Runway 27, the aircraft descends over Mission Valley and banks over Balboa Park before crossing directly above downtown San Diego's skyline and the bay, all visible on the left side. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.
How long is the flight from Columbus to San Diego?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,960 miles (3,154 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Columbus to San Diego flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains, San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Grand Canyon region of northern Arizona, Sonoran Desert basins