The left side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks near the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, Utah's canyon country, and comes close enough to the Grand Canyon's eastern rim to offer a distant view — a much richer set of landmarks than the brief Strip glimpse on the right, even though the right side takes the landing segment.
Flight Path
Southern Colorado's San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the San Juan Mountains, Four Corners region, and the canyon country of southeastern Utah near the Grand Canyon's eastern approaches
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCI
LEFTMCI's southerly-wind departure pattern typically has aircraft climbing south toward downtown before turning west onto course, giving a good look at the Kansas City skyline and the Missouri-Kansas river confluence below. The right side only shows flat suburban Missouri farmland with no comparable landmark.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTOn the common 26L/26R approach into LAS, aircraft descend from the east and pass north of the runway centerline, putting the Las Vegas Strip's dense tower cluster directly on the right side of the cabin. Lake Mead and Hoover Dam are also briefly visible to the north during the earlier descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kansas City International (MCI) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kansas City to Las Vegas. The left side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks near the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, Utah's canyon country, and comes close enough to the Grand Canyon's eastern rim to offer a distant view — a much richer set of landmarks than the brief Strip glimpse on the right, even though the right side takes the landing segment.
What can I see during takeoff from Kansas City International in Kansas City?
During takeoff from Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Left side for the best views. MCI's southerly-wind departure pattern typically has aircraft climbing south toward downtown before turning west onto course, giving a good look at the Kansas City skyline and the Missouri-Kansas river confluence below. The right side only shows flat suburban Missouri farmland with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Downtown Kansas City skyline, Missouri River bend, Kansas River confluence, West Bottoms district.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common 26L/26R approach into LAS, aircraft descend from the east and pass north of the runway centerline, putting the Las Vegas Strip's dense tower cluster directly on the right side of the cabin. Lake Mead and Hoover Dam are also briefly visible to the north during the earlier descent. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip skyline, Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, McCarran airport approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Kansas City to Las Vegas?
The flight from Kansas City International (MCI) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes 2h40m.
What does the Kansas City to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
Southern Colorado's San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the San Juan Mountains, Four Corners region, and the canyon country of southeastern Utah near the Grand Canyon's eastern approaches