While takeoff favors the right for New Orleans river views, the landing approach to San Diego Bay and Coronado Peninsula on the left is more dramatic and visually rewarding. Left seats capture the destination's most distinctive geography.
Flown MSY to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to San Diego is 1,595 miles (2,568 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico (open water with no landmarks), then transitions over southern Texas and northern Mexico. Notable features include the Texas coastline near Corpus Christi (if visible during climb), the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains in Mexico appearing as a distant ridge on the southern horizon during cruise, and the Sonoran Desert's vast tan expanse as the aircraft approaches Arizona. The Colorado River and Imperial Valley become visible during descent into Southern California, with the Salton Sea appearing as a bright reflective body of water east of San Diego.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTMSY typically departs eastbound (Runways 10L/10R) or westbound (Runways 28L/28R). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain's northern shore and the Mississippi River's crescent bend through the city. Westbound departures especially favor right seats for the river's dramatic curves.
Landing at SAN
LEFTSAN typically lands westbound (Runway 27) or eastbound (Runway 09). Left-side seats on approach capture the San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula. Westbound approaches (the more common arrival) give left seats excellent views of the bay's geography and coastal features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to San Diego. While takeoff favors the right for New Orleans river views, the landing approach to San Diego Bay and Coronado Peninsula on the left is more dramatic and visually rewarding. Left seats capture the destination's most distinctive geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. MSY typically departs eastbound (Runways 10L/10R) or westbound (Runways 28L/28R). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Pontchartrain's northern shore and the Mississippi River's crescent bend through the city. Westbound departures especially favor right seats for the river's dramatic curves. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (crescent bend through New Orleans), Lake Pontchartrain (northern expanse), New Orleans downtown skyline, Metairie suburban grid.
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. SAN typically lands westbound (Runway 27) or eastbound (Runway 09). Left-side seats on approach capture the San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula. Westbound approaches (the more common arrival) give left seats excellent views of the bay's geography and coastal features. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay (inner harbor), Coronado Peninsula and bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma headland.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to San Diego?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,595 miles (2,568 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico (open water with no landmarks), then transitions over southern Texas and northern Mexico. Notable features include the Texas coastline near Corpus Christi (if visible during climb), the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains in Mexico appearing as a distant ridge on the southern horizon during cruise, and the Sonoran Desert's vast tan expanse as the aircraft approaches Arizona. The Colorado River and Imperial Valley become visible during descent into Southern California, with the Salton Sea appearing as a bright reflective body of water east of San Diego.