Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior scenery on both legs: the Piedmont foothills and river valleys during takeoff provide more terrain variety than the flat coastal plain, and the Colorado River valley with Book Cliffs during approach offers dramatic high-desert geology and visual definition that the left side's open desert cannot match.
Flown RDU to GJT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Raleigh-Durham to Grand Junction is 1,638 miles (2,636 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Appalachian foothills of Tennessee and Kentucky, Cumberland Plateau, Ohio River valley, Mississippi River crossing near Memphis, Ozark Plateau of Missouri and Arkansas, High Plains of Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle, Raton Pass area, San Juan Mountains visible to the south, Colorado Plateau transition zone
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTRight side captures the Piedmont terrain and initial westward climb over rolling hills and forested landscape characteristic of central North Carolina, offering more visual interest than the flat coastal plain to the left.
Landing at GJT
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery with the Colorado River valley, Book Cliffs escarpment, and the dramatic high-desert landscape surrounding Grand Junction. The left side shows only open desert and distant plateaus with less visual definition.
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 Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Grand Junction. Right side scores higher (3.5 vs 2.5) due to superior scenery on both legs: the Piedmont foothills and river valleys during takeoff provide more terrain variety than the flat coastal plain, and the Colorado River valley with Book Cliffs during approach offers dramatic high-desert geology and visual definition that the left side's open desert cannot match.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the Piedmont terrain and initial westward climb over rolling hills and forested landscape characteristic of central North Carolina, offering more visual interest than the flat coastal plain to the left. Notable sights include: Neuse River valley, Durham-Chapel Hill urban corridor, Piedmont foothills rising westward.
What can I see when landing at Grand Junction Regional Airport in Grand Junction?
When landing at Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery with the Colorado River valley, Book Cliffs escarpment, and the dramatic high-desert landscape surrounding Grand Junction. The left side shows only open desert and distant plateaus with less visual definition. Notable sights include: Colorado River valley, Book Cliffs escarpment, Grand Valley agricultural patchwork, Uncompahgre Plateau.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Grand Junction?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,638 miles (2,636 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Grand Junction flight path pass over?
Appalachian foothills of Tennessee and Kentucky, Cumberland Plateau, Ohio River valley, Mississippi River crossing near Memphis, Ozark Plateau of Missouri and Arkansas, High Plains of Oklahoma and Texas Panhandle, Raton Pass area, San Juan Mountains visible to the south, Colorado Plateau transition zone