Right-side seats capture the Pittsburgh departure scenery and provide the first views of the Appalachian terrain. While left-side seats excel during the Salt Lake City approach, the right side offers more consistent scenic value during the longer middle portion of the flight across the Appalachian plateau and early views of the Rocky Mountain transition zone.
Flown PIT to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City is 1,655 miles (2,664 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau (dense forested terrain with ridge-and-valley topography), passes over or near the Ohio River valley, then transitions into the Great Plains near the Indiana-Illinois border. Further west, the flight crosses the Mississippi River valley, then the Great Plains of Missouri and Kansas. As the aircraft approaches the Rocky Mountain region around Colorado-Wyoming, the terrain rises noticeably. The Wasatch Range and surrounding Utah basin become visible approximately 30-40 minutes before landing. Notable water features include the Ohio River (visible during early climb), Mississippi River (mid-flight, around 2 hours), and the Great Salt Lake (final approach). The terrain transitions from dense eastern forest to open plains to high desert and mountains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Allegheny River and Pittsburgh's downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs westward. The river's distinctive curves and the Golden Triangle district are clearly visible during the initial climb-out.
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 dramatic mountain wall and the lake's blue expanse dominate the approach from the north.
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 Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City. Right-side seats capture the Pittsburgh departure scenery and provide the first views of the Appalachian terrain. While left-side seats excel during the Salt Lake City approach, the right side offers more consistent scenic value during the longer middle portion of the flight across the Appalachian plateau and early views of the Rocky Mountain transition zone.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Allegheny River and Pittsburgh's downtown skyline as the aircraft climbs westward. The river's distinctive curves and the Golden Triangle district are clearly visible during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Allegheny River, Pittsburgh downtown skyline, Monongahela River confluence, Ohio River valley to the northwest.
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 dramatic mountain wall and the lake's blue expanse dominate the approach from the north. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake Valley floor, Oquirrh Mountains to the west.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,655 miles (2,664 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau (dense forested terrain with ridge-and-valley topography), passes over or near the Ohio River valley, then transitions into the Great Plains near the Indiana-Illinois border. Further west, the flight crosses the Mississippi River valley, then the Great Plains of Missouri and Kansas. As the aircraft approaches the Rocky Mountain region around Colorado-Wyoming, the terrain rises noticeably. The Wasatch Range and surrounding Utah basin become visible approximately 30-40 minutes before landing. Notable water features include the Ohio River (visible during early climb), Mississippi River (mid-flight, around 2 hours), and the Great Salt Lake (final approach). The terrain transitions from dense eastern forest to open plains to high desert and mountains.