The landing approach offers more visually distinctive scenery with the Santa Ana Mountains and coastal Orange County geography. The takeoff has merit for the Franklin Mountains, but the landing view is more dramatic and varied.
Flown ELP to SNA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
El Paso to Santa Ana is 680 miles (1,094 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert and passes near or over the San Bernardino Mountains. Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass east of the Tehachapi Mountains or traverse the high desert plateau of southern California. The Colorado River drainage and various dry lake beds (playas) are visible in the Mojave region. As the flight progresses westward, the terrain transitions from high desert to coastal mountain ranges.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ELP
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Franklin Mountains running north-south directly west of El Paso, and the Rio Grande valley below. Right side faces the flat desert plateau extending eastward into Texas.
Landing at SNA
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Orange County coastal plain as the aircraft descends toward John Wayne Airport. Left side faces inland desert and offers less distinctive scenery on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Paso International (ELP) to John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from El Paso to Santa Ana. The landing approach offers more visually distinctive scenery with the Santa Ana Mountains and coastal Orange County geography. The takeoff has merit for the Franklin Mountains, but the landing view is more dramatic and varied.
What can I see during takeoff from El Paso International in El Paso?
During takeoff from El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Franklin Mountains running north-south directly west of El Paso, and the Rio Grande valley below. Right side faces the flat desert plateau extending eastward into Texas. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande valley, Ciudad Juárez (Mexico) across the border, desert plateau extending east.
What can I see when landing at John Wayne Arpt Orange Co in Santa Ana?
When landing at John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Orange County coastal plain as the aircraft descends toward John Wayne Airport. Left side faces inland desert and offers less distinctive scenery on approach. Notable sights include: Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County urban grid, Pacific coastline (distant), San Joaquin Hills.
How long is the flight from El Paso to Santa Ana?
The flight from El Paso International (ELP) to John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 680 miles (1,094 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the El Paso to Santa Ana flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert and passes near or over the San Bernardino Mountains. Depending on routing, the aircraft may pass east of the Tehachapi Mountains or traverse the high desert plateau of southern California. The Colorado River drainage and various dry lake beds (playas) are visible in the Mojave region. As the flight progresses westward, the terrain transitions from high desert to coastal mountain ranges.