The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic mountain scenery during the LA basin climb-out and again on the Wasatch Range approach into Salt Lake City, while the left side offers comparatively flat desert views during cruise.
Flight Path
Mojave Desert, southern Nevada basin-and-range terrain near Las Vegas, and the western Utah desert approaching the Great Salt Lake
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGB
RIGHTAfter departing LGB on runway 30 and banking right toward the northeast, the right side faces the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains rising sharply from the LA basin. The left side mostly shows the fading coastline and hazy urban sprawl receding behind.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTOn approach to SLC from the south, the aircraft typically lands on the north-south runways with the Wasatch Range visible off the right side, its steep peaks rising directly east of the Salt Lake Valley. The left side faces west toward the flat, less dramatic Great Salt Lake desert basin.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Long Beach (LGB) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Long Beach to Salt Lake City. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic mountain scenery during the LA basin climb-out and again on the Wasatch Range approach into Salt Lake City, while the left side offers comparatively flat desert views during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Long Beach in Long Beach?
During takeoff from Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing LGB on runway 30 and banking right toward the northeast, the right side faces the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains rising sharply from the LA basin. The left side mostly shows the fading coastline and hazy urban sprawl receding behind. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, Los Angeles basin sprawl, Mojave Desert edge.
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 Right side for the best views. On approach to SLC from the south, the aircraft typically lands on the north-south runways with the Wasatch Range visible off the right side, its steep peaks rising directly east of the Salt Lake Valley. The left side faces west toward the flat, less dramatic Great Salt Lake desert basin. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Salt Lake Valley, Great Salt Lake in distance, Oquirrh Mountains.
How long is the flight from Long Beach to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes 1h 45m.
What does the Long Beach to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, southern Nevada basin-and-range terrain near Las Vegas, and the western Utah desert approaching the Great Salt Lake