The left side wins overall because it captures San Diego's dramatic bay-and-skyline departure plus a likely glimpse of southern Greenland's glaciated coastline during the polar-ish great circle cruise, giving it more visual variety and drama than the flatter Dutch approach on the right.
Flown SAN to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Amsterdam is 5,599 miles (9,012 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
Central Canadian prairies and boreal forest, Hudson Bay's southern shoreline, and the icy mountains and fjords of southern Greenland along the great circle route before descending toward the North Sea.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTDeparting Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before banking right onto its northeasterly routing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of downtown San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bay Bridge, and Point Loma as the plane turns.
Landing at AMS
RIGHTOn the descent into Schiphol, arrivals from the north typically pass over the North Sea coastline and the IJsselmeer before turning to align with the southbound runways, putting Amsterdam's canal rings and the coastal dunes on the right side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Amsterdam. The left side wins overall because it captures San Diego's dramatic bay-and-skyline departure plus a likely glimpse of southern Greenland's glaciated coastline during the polar-ish great circle cruise, giving it more visual variety and drama than the flatter Dutch approach on the right.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before banking right onto its northeasterly routing, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of downtown San Diego's skyline, the Coronado Bay Bridge, and Point Loma as the plane turns. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Coronado Bay Bridge, San Diego Bay, Point Loma.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Schiphol, arrivals from the north typically pass over the North Sea coastline and the IJsselmeer before turning to align with the southbound runways, putting Amsterdam's canal rings and the coastal dunes on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: North Sea coastline, IJsselmeer, Amsterdam canal ring, polder farmland.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Amsterdam?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,599 miles (9,012 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
Central Canadian prairies and boreal forest, Hudson Bay's southern shoreline, and the icy mountains and fjords of southern Greenland along the great circle route before descending toward the North Sea.