While the left offers a strong takeoff experience over Dublin and the Irish coast, the right side dominates the longer descent and landing sequence into San Diego, providing extended views of the Pacific, the bay system, and the city's dramatic coastal setting. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown DUB to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dublin to San Diego is 5,197 miles (8,363 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no significant landmarks visible—open ocean throughout. Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass south of Greenland and Iceland (not typically visible from cruise altitude unless far north). The approach to North America brings views of the Canadian Maritime provinces or northeastern US coastline (Nova Scotia, Maine, or Cape Cod region) before turning southwest toward the continental interior. The final 2-3 hours involve descent over the southwestern United States, with potential views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Mojave Desert, and the Colorado River valley before reaching Southern California coastal ranges and San Diego Bay.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUB
LEFTLeft side offers views of Dublin Bay and the Irish coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward over the Irish Sea. You'll see the distinctive curve of the bay and the Wicklow Mountains inland.
Landing at SAN
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the city's distinctive geography during descent. You'll see Point Loma, the bay's islands, and downtown San Diego's skyline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dublin (DUB) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dublin to San Diego. While the left offers a strong takeoff experience over Dublin and the Irish coast, the right side dominates the longer descent and landing sequence into San Diego, providing extended views of the Pacific, the bay system, and the city's dramatic coastal setting. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Dublin in Dublin?
During takeoff from Dublin (DUB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Dublin Bay and the Irish coastline as the aircraft climbs northeastward over the Irish Sea. You'll see the distinctive curve of the bay and the Wicklow Mountains inland. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay, Irish Sea, Wicklow Mountains, Howth Peninsula.
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 Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the city's distinctive geography during descent. You'll see Point Loma, the bay's islands, and downtown San Diego's skyline. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Point Loma, Pacific Ocean, Downtown San Diego skyline.
How long is the flight from Dublin to San Diego?
The flight from Dublin (DUB) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,197 miles (8,363 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dublin to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no significant landmarks visible—open ocean throughout. Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass south of Greenland and Iceland (not typically visible from cruise altitude unless far north). The approach to North America brings views of the Canadian Maritime provinces or northeastern US coastline (Nova Scotia, Maine, or Cape Cod region) before turning southwest toward the continental interior. The final 2-3 hours involve descent over the southwestern United States, with potential views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Mojave Desert, and the Colorado River valley before reaching Southern California coastal ranges and San Diego Bay.