The right side offers a more complete scenic arc: Cascade peaks at departure, glimpses of Great Basin ranges during cruise, and a Hill Country/Lake Travis approach into Austin, while the left side mostly shows flat high desert and plains with little variation.
Flown PDX to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Austin is 1,714 miles (2,758 km), a flight of about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada and Utah, including the Ruby Mountains and edges of the Wasatch Range, followed by the high desert plateau of eastern New Mexico before descending into the Texas plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
RIGHTPDX typically departs to the west on 28L/28R before turning south toward Austin, putting the Cascade volcanoes on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson are visible poking above the horizon as the plane banks south, a striking contrast to Portland's flat valley floor.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTArrivals into AUS from the north typically fly over the Texas Hill Country before turning onto final for runway 18, giving right-side passengers a view of Lake Travis and the limestone canyons west of Austin. The Austin skyline and Colorado River are also visible tucked along the descent path.
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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 Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Austin. The right side offers a more complete scenic arc: Cascade peaks at departure, glimpses of Great Basin ranges during cruise, and a Hill Country/Lake Travis approach into Austin, while the left side mostly shows flat high desert and plains with little variation.
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. PDX typically departs to the west on 28L/28R before turning south toward Austin, putting the Cascade volcanoes on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson are visible poking above the horizon as the plane banks south, a striking contrast to Portland's flat valley floor. Notable sights include: Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Willamette Valley, Columbia River.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into AUS from the north typically fly over the Texas Hill Country before turning onto final for runway 18, giving right-side passengers a view of Lake Travis and the limestone canyons west of Austin. The Austin skyline and Colorado River are also visible tucked along the descent path. Notable sights include: Lake Travis, Texas Hill Country, Colorado River, downtown Austin skyline.
How long is the flight from Portland to Austin?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,714 miles (2,758 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Austin flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada and Utah, including the Ruby Mountains and edges of the Wasatch Range, followed by the high desert plateau of eastern New Mexico before descending into the Texas plains.