The takeoff view from San Diego Bay and coastal geography is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. Left seats capture the dramatic water and urban contrast immediately after departure, which outweighs the more subdued Ohio landscape on arrival.
Flown SAN to CMH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Columbus is 1,960 miles (3,154 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin regions. Notable features include the Grand Canyon (visible from altitude as a massive linear chasm if flying the northern corridor), Lake Mead's blue expanse, the Kaibab Plateau, and the transition into the Great Plains. The Rocky Mountains appear as a distant ridge system in the central portion of the flight. As you approach Ohio, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Mississippi River valley and then the glaciated plains of the Midwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTSAN typically departs runways 09L/R heading east. Left seats offer immediate views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula as you climb out over the water before turning inland.
Landing at CMH
RIGHTCMH has primary approaches from the north and south. Right seats on eastbound descent offer views of central Ohio's landscape, the Scioto River valley, and the approach into Port Columbus. You'll see the transition from rural farmland to suburban sprawl around Columbus.
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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 Port Columbus International (CMH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Columbus. The takeoff view from San Diego Bay and coastal geography is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. Left seats capture the dramatic water and urban contrast immediately after departure, which outweighs the more subdued Ohio landscape on arrival.
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 typically departs runways 09L/R heading east. Left seats offer immediate views of San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula as you climb out over the water before turning inland. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, downtown San Diego high-rises, Point Loma peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Port Columbus International in Columbus?
When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. CMH has primary approaches from the north and south. Right seats on eastbound descent offer views of central Ohio's landscape, the Scioto River valley, and the approach into Port Columbus. You'll see the transition from rural farmland to suburban sprawl around Columbus. Notable sights include: Scioto River, Columbus downtown district, suburban development patterns, Ohio farmland grid.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Columbus?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,960 miles (3,154 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Columbus flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin regions. Notable features include the Grand Canyon (visible from altitude as a massive linear chasm if flying the northern corridor), Lake Mead's blue expanse, the Kaibab Plateau, and the transition into the Great Plains. The Rocky Mountains appear as a distant ridge system in the central portion of the flight. As you approach Ohio, the terrain flattens dramatically into the Mississippi River valley and then the glaciated plains of the Midwest.