While the takeoff from Glacier Park favors the right side, the landing approach into Salt Lake City from the north strongly favors the left side with the dramatic Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake views. The landing experience is more visually rewarding and lasts longer during descent.
Flown FCA to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kalispell to Salt Lake City is 532 miles (855 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path heads south-southwest from Kalispell across central Idaho. Notable features along the route include the Bitterroot Range (visible to the east around the 1-hour mark), the Salmon River drainage system (visible as a major valley system), and the transition from Montana's forested terrain to Idaho's more varied topography. The flight crosses over central Idaho's mountainous terrain with the Sawtooth Range potentially visible to the southeast around the midpoint. As you approach Utah, the terrain becomes more arid with the Great Basin characteristics becoming apparent before the final descent into the Wasatch Front.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FCA
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Mission Mountains and the northern end of Flathead Lake as you climb out heading south. Left side faces the lower terrain of the Flathead Valley with fewer dramatic features.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of the Wasatch Range as you descend into Salt Lake City from the north, plus views of the Great Salt Lake's northern arm. Right side faces the less scenic eastern bench lands and urban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kalispell to Salt Lake City. While the takeoff from Glacier Park favors the right side, the landing approach into Salt Lake City from the north strongly favors the left side with the dramatic Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake views. The landing experience is more visually rewarding and lasts longer during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell?
During takeoff from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Mission Mountains and the northern end of Flathead Lake as you climb out heading south. Left side faces the lower terrain of the Flathead Valley with fewer dramatic features. Notable sights include: Mission Mountains (east-southeast), Flathead Lake (south), Swan Range (distant southeast), Kalispell city grid (directly below initially).
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of the Wasatch Range as you descend into Salt Lake City from the north, plus views of the Great Salt Lake's northern arm. Right side faces the less scenic eastern bench lands and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (west and southwest), Great Salt Lake northern portion (west), Salt Lake City urban grid (below during final approach), Oquirrh Mountains (southwest).
How long is the flight from Kalispell to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 532 miles (855 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kalispell to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path heads south-southwest from Kalispell across central Idaho. Notable features along the route include the Bitterroot Range (visible to the east around the 1-hour mark), the Salmon River drainage system (visible as a major valley system), and the transition from Montana's forested terrain to Idaho's more varied topography. The flight crosses over central Idaho's mountainous terrain with the Sawtooth Range potentially visible to the southeast around the midpoint. As you approach Utah, the terrain becomes more arid with the Great Basin characteristics becoming apparent before the final descent into the Wasatch Front.