The right side delivers the dramatic San Diego Bay and Coronado departure, and during cruise over the Southwest and Southeast you get better views of the terrain transitions including the Sonoran Desert, New Mexico highlands, and Texas Hill Country. The Charlotte arrival on left is strong but the takeoff spectacle on the right side edges it out overall.
Flown SAN to CLT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Charlotte is 2,073 miles (3,335 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
After departing San Diego the route crosses the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso or Albuquerque depending on routing, then the Llano Estacado of west Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex visible as a massive urban grid, the pine forests of east Texas and Arkansas, the Mississippi River valley, and finally the rolling Piedmont of the Carolinas approaching Charlotte
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTSAN's primary departure runway 27 heads west over the bay before turning. Right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Coronado Bridge clearly. Left side faces downtown buildings and Mission Hills.
Landing at CLT
LEFTCharlotte Douglas typically uses runways 18L/18C/18R for southerly arrivals or 36s for northerly. On approach from the west, left side gives you uptown Charlotte's skyline and Lake Norman to the north. Right side faces suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive features.
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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 Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Charlotte. The right side delivers the dramatic San Diego Bay and Coronado departure, and during cruise over the Southwest and Southeast you get better views of the terrain transitions including the Sonoran Desert, New Mexico highlands, and Texas Hill Country. The Charlotte arrival on left is strong but the takeoff spectacle on the right side edges it out overall.
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 Right side for the best views. SAN's primary departure runway 27 heads west over the bay before turning. Right side gives you San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and the Coronado Bridge clearly. Left side faces downtown buildings and Mission Hills. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Island and Naval Air Station, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas typically uses runways 18L/18C/18R for southerly arrivals or 36s for northerly. On approach from the west, left side gives you uptown Charlotte's skyline and Lake Norman to the north. Right side faces suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the north, Catawba River corridor, Charlotte Motor Speedway visible to the northeast.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Charlotte?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,073 miles (3,335 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Charlotte flight path pass over?
After departing San Diego the route crosses the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso or Albuquerque depending on routing, then the Llano Estacado of west Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex visible as a massive urban grid, the pine forests of east Texas and Arkansas, the Mississippi River valley, and finally the rolling Piedmont of the Carolinas approaching Charlotte