About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Burbank. Left seats capture the most dramatic geography: Mount Hood on departure, the Cascade Range spine throughout the climb, and the San Gabriel Mountains on approach. The flight path itself runs roughly south-southwest, so left seats face the more visually interesting terrain on both ends of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PDX typically departs runways 28L/28R (westbound) or 10L/10R (eastbound). Westbound departures are more common. Left seats capture the Cascade Range immediately to the east, with Mount Hood dominating the view during climb-out. Right seats see the flatter Willamette Valley and Portland sprawl. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (11,240 ft, ~50 miles east), Cascade Range spine, Willamette River valley floor, Columbia River gorge to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. BUR typically lands on runways 15 or 33. Approach vectors from the north (runway 15) are standard. Right seats on descent see the San Gabriel Mountains clearly, with the San Fernando Valley spreading below. Left seats see mostly the Los Angeles basin and urban sprawl without distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (including Mount Baldy, ~10,000 ft), San Fernando Valley floor, Los Angeles downtown skyline (distant), Burbank media district and airport complex.
How long is the flight from Portland to Burbank?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Portland to Burbank flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central California, passing east of the Sierra Nevada range (visible as a distant ridge on the left/east around cruise altitude), over the Central Valley's agricultural grid, then approaches the Transverse Ranges. The Kern River drainage and Tehachapi Mountains mark the southern end of the Sierra. No major water bodies are crossed; the Pacific Ocean remains 100+ miles to the west throughout the flight.