Right side dominates both segments of this flight. You get Mount Hood and the Cascades during departure, then the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande valley during arrival—two of the most visually striking features on this route.
Flown PDX to ABQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Albuquerque is 1,110 miles (1,787 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon (visible around 1 hour into flight), Snake River Plain in Idaho, Great Basin terrain in Nevada/Utah, and the Colorado Plateau's high desert landscape as you approach New Mexico. The flight path generally follows a southeast trajectory, crossing from the wet Pacific Northwest into progressively drier, higher-elevation terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTRight side offers immediate views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood as you climb southeast out of PDX. The left side faces west toward the Pacific, which is too distant and obscured by coastal haze.
Landing at ABQ
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley as you descend into ABQ from the north. The left side faces the less dramatic western plains.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Albuquerque. Right side dominates both segments of this flight. You get Mount Hood and the Cascades during departure, then the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande valley during arrival—two of the most visually striking features on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers immediate views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood as you climb southeast out of PDX. The left side faces west toward the Pacific, which is too distant and obscured by coastal haze. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (11,240 ft, ~50 miles southeast), Cascade Range spine, Willamette Valley floor, Columbia River gorge to the north.
What can I see when landing at Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
When landing at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley as you descend into ABQ from the north. The left side faces the less dramatic western plains. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains (10,678 ft peak, immediately east of ABQ), Rio Grande river valley, Albuquerque urban grid, Manzano Mountains to the south.
How long is the flight from Portland to Albuquerque?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,110 miles (1,787 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Albuquerque flight path pass over?
Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon (visible around 1 hour into flight), Snake River Plain in Idaho, Great Basin terrain in Nevada/Utah, and the Colorado Plateau's high desert landscape as you approach New Mexico. The flight path generally follows a southeast trajectory, crossing from the wet Pacific Northwest into progressively drier, higher-elevation terrain.