While San Diego's departure offers immediate coastal drama, the Paris landing side scores higher due to the Seine River's distinctive meanders, the varied patchwork of Île-de-France farmland, and the gradual transition from rural landscape to metropolitan sprawl—providing greater scenic variety and landmark density across the descent phase. The left side is dominated by 9+ hours of open Atlantic Ocean with minimal visual interest.
Flight Path
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for approximately 6 hours; Greenland's southern coast may be visible on northerly routing (ice sheets, fjords); Irish coastline and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; English Channel and southern England visible on final approach corridor to Paris
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTSan Diego departure offers immediate coastal scenery with the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and the urban sprawl of the city visible during climb-out. The left side captures the harbor and coastline as the aircraft turns eastward.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTThe Paris approach from the west provides extended views of the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France region's patchwork farmland, and the sprawling metropolitan area. The right side captures the approach corridor with visibility of the Seine's meanders and suburban development patterns leading into Charles de Gaulle.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Paris. While San Diego's departure offers immediate coastal drama, the Paris landing side scores higher due to the Seine River's distinctive meanders, the varied patchwork of Île-de-France farmland, and the gradual transition from rural landscape to metropolitan sprawl—providing greater scenic variety and landmark density across the descent phase. The left side is dominated by 9+ hours of open Atlantic Ocean with minimal visual interest.
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. San Diego departure offers immediate coastal scenery with the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and the urban sprawl of the city visible during climb-out. The left side captures the harbor and coastline as the aircraft turns eastward. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Point Loma, Pacific Ocean coastline, downtown San Diego skyline.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. The Paris approach from the west provides extended views of the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France region's patchwork farmland, and the sprawling metropolitan area. The right side captures the approach corridor with visibility of the Seine's meanders and suburban development patterns leading into Charles de Gaulle. Notable sights include: Seine River and its meanders, Île-de-France agricultural landscape, Parisian suburbs and urban sprawl, Charles de Gaulle Airport runways.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Paris?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 10h 15m.
What does the San Diego to Paris flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for approximately 6 hours; Greenland's southern coast may be visible on northerly routing (ice sheets, fjords); Irish coastline and Celtic Sea approaching Europe; English Channel and southern England visible on final approach corridor to Paris