While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach into Austin provides more varied and visually interesting terrain—water features, geological transitions, and approaching urban landscape. Right seats capture the most distinctive features of the descent corridor.
Flown PSP to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Palm Springs to Austin is 1,130 miles (1,819 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park (visible from altitude as a dark, isolated range in the Chihuahuan Desert), then transitions into the Edwards Plateau and Hill Country of central Texas. The Pecos River valley and Rio Grande are visible in far west Texas during the midpoint of the flight. Lake Amistad appears as a bright blue reservoir on the Texas-Mexico border roughly halfway through the journey.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PSP
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of the San Jacinto Mountains as the aircraft climbs eastward out of Palm Springs. The range rises dramatically just north of the airport and dominates the early climb phase.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTRight seats capture the Colorado River valley and the Edwards Plateau terrain as the aircraft descends into Austin from the west. The landscape transitions from scrubland to the green Hill Country, with Lake Travis visible on approach.
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 Palm Springs International (PSP) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Palm Springs to Austin. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain scenery, the landing approach into Austin provides more varied and visually interesting terrain—water features, geological transitions, and approaching urban landscape. Right seats capture the most distinctive features of the descent corridor.
What can I see during takeoff from Palm Springs International in Palm Springs?
During takeoff from Palm Springs International (PSP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of the San Jacinto Mountains as the aircraft climbs eastward out of Palm Springs. The range rises dramatically just north of the airport and dominates the early climb phase. Notable sights include: San Jacinto Mountains, Coachella Valley floor, Mount San Jacinto peak (10,834 ft), San Gorgonio Pass.
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. Right seats capture the Colorado River valley and the Edwards Plateau terrain as the aircraft descends into Austin from the west. The landscape transitions from scrubland to the green Hill Country, with Lake Travis visible on approach. Notable sights include: Lake Travis, Colorado River valley, Texas Hill Country, Edwards Plateau.
How long is the flight from Palm Springs to Austin?
The flight from Palm Springs International (PSP) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,130 miles (1,819 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Palm Springs to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park (visible from altitude as a dark, isolated range in the Chihuahuan Desert), then transitions into the Edwards Plateau and Hill Country of central Texas. The Pecos River valley and Rio Grande are visible in far west Texas during the midpoint of the flight. Lake Amistad appears as a bright blue reservoir on the Texas-Mexico border roughly halfway through the journey.