The right side wins due to the cruise-phase views over the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau, including the San Juan Mountains and canyon country of northern Arizona, which offer far more dramatic and varied terrain than the plains visible on the left during the same stretch.
Flown MCI to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kansas City to San Diego is 1,331 miles (2,142 km), a flight of about 3 hours 10 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border, San Juan Mountains, Colorado Plateau canyon country, and the Mojave Desert approaching Southern California
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCI
RIGHTDeparting MCI northbound then turning southwest, the right side offers a glimpse of the Kansas River valley and rolling farmland giving way to the high plains, setting up for mountain views later in cruise. The left side is mostly featureless flat farmland with no distinguishing terrain.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the approach into SAN's Runway 27, the descent path takes the aircraft over Mission Valley before dropping toward the bay, and the left (south) side offers clear views of downtown San Diego's skyline and Balboa Park just before the final turn. The Pacific and San Diego Bay open up dramatically on this side as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kansas City International (MCI) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kansas City to San Diego. The right side wins due to the cruise-phase views over the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau, including the San Juan Mountains and canyon country of northern Arizona, which offer far more dramatic and varied terrain than the plains visible on the left during the same stretch.
What can I see during takeoff from Kansas City International in Kansas City?
During takeoff from Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MCI northbound then turning southwest, the right side offers a glimpse of the Kansas River valley and rolling farmland giving way to the high plains, setting up for mountain views later in cruise. The left side is mostly featureless flat farmland with no distinguishing terrain. Notable sights include: Missouri River bluffs, Kansas River confluence, patchwork farmland, distant high plains horizon.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into SAN's Runway 27, the descent path takes the aircraft over Mission Valley before dropping toward the bay, and the left (south) side offers clear views of downtown San Diego's skyline and Balboa Park just before the final turn. The Pacific and San Diego Bay open up dramatically on this side as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.
How long is the flight from Kansas City to San Diego?
The flight from Kansas City International (MCI) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 3 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,331 miles (2,142 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kansas City to San Diego flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border, San Juan Mountains, Colorado Plateau canyon country, and the Mojave Desert approaching Southern California