About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oakland to Las Vegas. While left is better at takeoff for the Bay views, right wins overall because the mid-flight views of the Sierra Nevada and Mojave are solid from either side, and the Las Vegas arrival on the right is the most dramatic payoff of the whole flight — the Strip and Spring Mountains together make for a memorable approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International in Oakland?
During takeoff from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK), sit on the Left side for the best views. OAK typically departs runway 28L/28R heading west over the Bay, then turns southeast toward Las Vegas. A left seat gives you San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as you climb out and bank south. The right side faces inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alameda Naval Air Station island.
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. Las Vegas arrivals typically come in from the northwest on runway 26L/26R or from the north on runway 19. Approaching from the northwest, the right side gives you the Las Vegas Strip laid out below as you descend over the valley, with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon visible to the west. Left side faces east toward open desert and Henderson. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip, Spring Mountains (Charleston Peak), Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Lake Mead on the distant horizon.
How long is the flight from Oakland to Las Vegas?
The flight from Metropolitan Oakland International (OAK) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the Oakland to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Central Valley near Modesto, then climbs over the southern Sierra Nevada near Tehachapi Pass or crosses the Mojave Desert depending on routing. Visible features include the Owens Valley and White Mountains to the north, the Mojave Desert's dry lake beds (including Rogers Dry Lake near Edwards AFB), and the transition from the Mojave into the Las Vegas Valley over the River Mountains.