While the Las Vegas takeoff offers a strong start with the Strip and Lake Mead, the right side wins out overall because the cruise phase tracks near the Gulf of California coastline and the Sierra Madre Occidental range, culminating in a dramatic volcanic approach into Mexico City that the left side never matches.
Flown LAS to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Mexico City is 1,509 miles (2,428 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Sonoran Desert, the northern Gulf of California coastline near Guaymas, and the peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
LEFTDeparting LAS on the south-heading runways, the initial climb puts the Las Vegas Strip and downtown skyline just off the left side before the aircraft banks toward its southeast course. Shortly after, the Colorado River corridor and the blue waters of Lake Mead near Hoover Dam become visible on the left as the plane climbs over the McCullough Range.
Landing at MEX
RIGHTArriving into MEX from the southwest, the final descent tracks along the edge of the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills before entering the Valley of Mexico, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl rising above the basin's southeastern rim. The urban sprawl of Mexico City itself fills the view as the plane lines up for the northeast-facing runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Mexico City. While the Las Vegas takeoff offers a strong start with the Strip and Lake Mead, the right side wins out overall because the cruise phase tracks near the Gulf of California coastline and the Sierra Madre Occidental range, culminating in a dramatic volcanic approach into Mexico City that the left side never matches.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LAS on the south-heading runways, the initial climb puts the Las Vegas Strip and downtown skyline just off the left side before the aircraft banks toward its southeast course. Shortly after, the Colorado River corridor and the blue waters of Lake Mead near Hoover Dam become visible on the left as the plane climbs over the McCullough Range. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip skyline, McCullough Range, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into MEX from the southwest, the final descent tracks along the edge of the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills before entering the Valley of Mexico, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl rising above the basin's southeastern rim. The urban sprawl of Mexico City itself fills the view as the plane lines up for the northeast-facing runway. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City sprawl.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Mexico City?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,509 miles (2,428 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Mexico City flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert, the northern Gulf of California coastline near Guaymas, and the peaks of the Sierra Madre Occidental