Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers dramatic mountain views of the Northern Rockies, and the southbound route keeps the Bitterroot Range and Anaconda Range visible on the right during cruise. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the extended right-side advantage during climb and cruise makes right the overall winner.
Flown MSO to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Missoula to Las Vegas is 750 miles (1,208 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path heads south-southwest from Missoula, passing east of the Bitterroot Range (visible on the right/west side during cruise). The Anaconda Range and Pintlar Range remain visible to the right as you cross into southwestern Montana. Around the midpoint near the Idaho-Nevada border, you'll cross high desert terrain with sparse vegetation. The Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada appear on the left (east) side during the final cruise segment before descent toward Las Vegas begins.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Missoula Valley floor and the Northern Rocky Mountains as the aircraft climbs southward. You'll see the Clark Fork River winding through the valley and the forested ridges of the Sapphire Range rising to the east.
Landing at LAS
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon to the west, then the Las Vegas Valley sprawl and the distinctive urban grid of the Strip as you descend toward McCarran.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Missoula to Las Vegas. Right-side seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. Takeoff offers dramatic mountain views of the Northern Rockies, and the southbound route keeps the Bitterroot Range and Anaconda Range visible on the right during cruise. Landing views are comparable on both sides, but the extended right-side advantage during climb and cruise makes right the overall winner.
What can I see during takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport in Missoula?
During takeoff from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Missoula Valley floor and the Northern Rocky Mountains as the aircraft climbs southward. You'll see the Clark Fork River winding through the valley and the forested ridges of the Sapphire Range rising to the east. Notable sights include: Clark Fork River, Sapphire Range, Missoula urban area, Flathead National Forest foothills.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Las Vegas. You'll see the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon to the west, then the Las Vegas Valley sprawl and the distinctive urban grid of the Strip as you descend toward McCarran. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains, Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas Valley urban development, Lake Mead shoreline (distant).
How long is the flight from Missoula to Las Vegas?
The flight from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 750 miles (1,208 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Missoula to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight path heads south-southwest from Missoula, passing east of the Bitterroot Range (visible on the right/west side during cruise). The Anaconda Range and Pintlar Range remain visible to the right as you cross into southwestern Montana. Around the midpoint near the Idaho-Nevada border, you'll cross high desert terrain with sparse vegetation. The Ruby Mountains of northeastern Nevada appear on the left (east) side during the final cruise segment before descent toward Las Vegas begins.