The right side wins overall because the Las Vegas departure view of the Strip combined with Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The landing view on the left is good but Lake Ontario in overcast Great Lakes conditions is less dramatic. Right side also tracks the Colorado River corridor and portions of the Rockies during cruise.
Flown LAS to ROC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Rochester is 2,036 miles (3,276 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight tracks northeast over the Colorado Plateau with the Grand Canyon visible to the north in early cruise, then crosses the Rocky Mountains over Colorado or Utah showing high snow-capped peaks, transitions over the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska, crosses the Missouri and Mississippi River systems, then passes over the flat agricultural Midwest of Indiana and Ohio before descending over Lake Erie and into western New York
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
RIGHTLas Vegas departures heading northeast typically use runways 19L/R or 26L/R. On a northeast departure, the right side gives you a clear view of the Las Vegas Strip and downtown before the aircraft banks. The Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment are also visible to the right as you climb out.
Landing at ROC
LEFTRochester airport sits just south of Lake Ontario, and approaches from the west or southwest on runway 28 put Lake Ontario prominently on the left side during final approach. The left side also gives views of the city of Rochester and the Genesee River gorge cutting through the urban area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Greater Rochester International (ROC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Rochester. The right side wins overall because the Las Vegas departure view of the Strip combined with Red Rock Canyon and Lake Mead is genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. The landing view on the left is good but Lake Ontario in overcast Great Lakes conditions is less dramatic. Right side also tracks the Colorado River corridor and portions of the Rockies during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Las Vegas departures heading northeast typically use runways 19L/R or 26L/R. On a northeast departure, the right side gives you a clear view of the Las Vegas Strip and downtown before the aircraft banks. The Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon escarpment are also visible to the right as you climb out. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip (hotels and casinos clearly visible), Red Rock Canyon escarpment to the west, Lake Mead to the east visible on right during climb, Frenchman Mountain red sandstone ridge.
What can I see when landing at Greater Rochester International in Rochester?
When landing at Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Rochester airport sits just south of Lake Ontario, and approaches from the west or southwest on runway 28 put Lake Ontario prominently on the left side during final approach. The left side also gives views of the city of Rochester and the Genesee River gorge cutting through the urban area. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, Rochester city center and Genesee River corridor, Finger Lakes region visible to the south during descent, Erie Canal corridor through the flat Genesee Valley.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Rochester?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Greater Rochester International (ROC) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,036 miles (3,276 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Rochester flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Colorado Plateau with the Grand Canyon visible to the north in early cruise, then crosses the Rocky Mountains over Colorado or Utah showing high snow-capped peaks, transitions over the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska, crosses the Missouri and Mississippi River systems, then passes over the flat agricultural Midwest of Indiana and Ohio before descending over Lake Erie and into western New York