Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff view of the San Gabriel Mountains is dramatic, and the right side maintains views of the high desert terrain, the Mojave Desert floor, and the transition into Utah's plateau country during cruise. The landing approach favors the left, but the extended cruise segment over genuine desert and mountain terrain makes right-side seating the better overall choice.
Flown ONT to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ontario to Salt Lake City is 558 miles (898 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. Notable features include the Barstow area (visible as a small urban cluster in the desert), the Mojave National Preserve (vast open desert with sparse vegetation), and the transition into the higher elevation terrain of southern Nevada and northern Arizona. The flight typically cruises at 28,000–32,000 feet, where the curvature of the high desert becomes apparent. The Virgin River drainage and the northern edge of the Grand Canyon region may be visible on the right side during cruise, though at altitude these appear as subtle topographic features rather than dramatic landmarks. The approach to Salt Lake City brings views of Utah's Basin and Range topography with multiple north-south trending mountain ranges.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ONT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer immediate views of the San Gabriel Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast from Ontario. The range dominates the northern horizon during initial climb, providing dramatic elevation contrast against the Los Angeles basin.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake during descent into Salt Lake City. The lake's distinctive blue water and the snow-capped peaks create striking visual contrast, especially visible on the approach from the southwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ontario International (ONT) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ontario to Salt Lake City. Right-side seats offer superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The takeoff view of the San Gabriel Mountains is dramatic, and the right side maintains views of the high desert terrain, the Mojave Desert floor, and the transition into Utah's plateau country during cruise. The landing approach favors the left, but the extended cruise segment over genuine desert and mountain terrain makes right-side seating the better overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Ontario International in Ontario?
During takeoff from Ontario International (ONT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer immediate views of the San Gabriel Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast from Ontario. The range dominates the northern horizon during initial climb, providing dramatic elevation contrast against the Los Angeles basin. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Valley floor, Inland Empire urban sprawl, Mount Baldy (11,068 ft) on the eastern ridge.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake during descent into Salt Lake City. The lake's distinctive blue water and the snow-capped peaks create striking visual contrast, especially visible on the approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Great Salt Lake, Oquirrh Mountains (west side of lake), Salt Lake Valley urban grid.
How long is the flight from Ontario to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Ontario International (ONT) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 558 miles (898 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ontario to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. Notable features include the Barstow area (visible as a small urban cluster in the desert), the Mojave National Preserve (vast open desert with sparse vegetation), and the transition into the higher elevation terrain of southern Nevada and northern Arizona. The flight typically cruises at 28,000–32,000 feet, where the curvature of the high desert becomes apparent. The Virgin River drainage and the northern edge of the Grand Canyon region may be visible on the right side during cruise, though at altitude these appear as subtle topographic features rather than dramatic landmarks. The approach to Salt Lake City brings views of Utah's Basin and Range topography with multiple north-south trending mountain ranges.