While landing views favor the left, the takeoff scenery from the right side is more distinctive and visually rewarding. The climb-out over the Columbia Plateau and early views of the Blue Mountains provide better scenic value than the approach, which, though interesting, is more urban-focused.
Flown GEG to SJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Spokane to San Jose is 743 miles (1,196 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Wallowa Mountains (northeastern Oregon), Blue Mountains (eastern Oregon), Cascade Range (central Oregon), Klamath Basin, Sierra Nevada foothills (northern California)
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from GEG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Spokane River valley and the transition from the Columbia Plateau toward the Blue Mountains to the south. The climb-out path typically heads southwest, positioning right-side passengers to see the terrain rolling away beneath the aircraft.
Landing at SJC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into San Jose. The approach typically brings aircraft over the San Francisco Bay area and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with left-side passengers seeing the bay's eastern shoreline, the Santa Clara Valley, and the coastal range.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Spokane International (GEG) to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Spokane to San Jose. While landing views favor the left, the takeoff scenery from the right side is more distinctive and visually rewarding. The climb-out over the Columbia Plateau and early views of the Blue Mountains provide better scenic value than the approach, which, though interesting, is more urban-focused.
What can I see during takeoff from Spokane International in Spokane?
During takeoff from Spokane International (GEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Spokane River valley and the transition from the Columbia Plateau toward the Blue Mountains to the south. The climb-out path typically heads southwest, positioning right-side passengers to see the terrain rolling away beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Spokane River valley, Spokane urban area, Blue Mountains (distant southern horizon), Columbia Plateau terrain.
What can I see when landing at Norman Y Mineta San Jose International in San Jose?
When landing at Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into San Jose. The approach typically brings aircraft over the San Francisco Bay area and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with left-side passengers seeing the bay's eastern shoreline, the Santa Clara Valley, and the coastal range. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay (eastern shore), Santa Clara Valley urban sprawl, Santa Cruz Mountains, San Jose metropolitan area.
How long is the flight from Spokane to San Jose?
The flight from Spokane International (GEG) to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 743 miles (1,196 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Spokane to San Jose flight path pass over?
Wallowa Mountains (northeastern Oregon), Blue Mountains (eastern Oregon), Cascade Range (central Oregon), Klamath Basin, Sierra Nevada foothills (northern California)