About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Antonio International (SAT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to San Antonio. The right side wins overall. The takeoff view from the right is significantly more dramatic with the LA coastline, mountains, and city. During cruise heading roughly east-southeast, the right side also faces south toward the US-Mexico border region and the Rio Grande plain. The landing advantage on the left is real but modest given San Antonio's relatively flat surroundings.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns east. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, then the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown LA skyline as you bank east. Left side faces south toward Palos Verdes and open ocean. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at San Antonio International in San Antonio?
When landing at San Antonio International (SAT), sit on the Left side for the best views. SAT typically lands on runway 12R/12L heading southeast, or runway 30 heading northwest. On the common southeast approach, the left side faces northeast toward downtown San Antonio, the River Walk district, and the distinctive loop highway system. Right side looks toward open ranchland south of the city. Notable sights include: Downtown San Antonio skyline, Loop 410 and Loop 1604 highway rings, Medina Lake to the west, Edwards Plateau terrain.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Antonio International (SAT) takes Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Los Angeles to San Antonio flight path pass over?
The flight tracks east-southeast across the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert transition zones. Over Arizona you pass south of the Phoenix metro area. Crossing into New Mexico, the Rio Grande valley and the broad desert basins of the Chihuahuan Desert are visible. West Texas brings the Guadalupe Mountains and the flat Permian Basin oil fields with their pump jacks and tank farms. The terrain gradually flattens into the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains as you approach San Antonio.