While left wins for takeoff drama, the landing view from the right is more rewarding on this long transatlantic flight. Dublin's approach offers genuine urban and coastal geography, whereas the mid-Atlantic crossing provides no landmarks from either side. Right seats capture the arrival experience more memorably.
Flown SAN to DUB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Dublin is 5,197 miles (8,363 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for roughly 8 hours. Departing westbound from San Diego, the aircraft climbs over the Pacific, passing south of the Channel Islands (not visible at cruise altitude). The route tracks northeast across open ocean, passing south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. As the aircraft approaches Ireland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and continental shelf features remain invisible at cruise altitude. The only notable geographic feature visible mid-flight would be occasional icebergs or pack ice in the North Atlantic during winter months, but these are rare and not reliably visible. The approach to Ireland brings the first landfall after 8+ hours of open water.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTSAN typically departs runways 09L/09R (westbound). Left seats face north during climb-out, giving direct views of San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula. Right seats see inland terrain and urban sprawl with less distinctive geography.
Landing at DUB
RIGHTDublin approaches typically use runways 10/28 depending on wind. For eastbound arrivals on runway 10, right seats face south during descent, offering views of the Irish coastline, Dublin Bay, and the city's approach path. Left seats see inland countryside with fewer distinctive urban features until final approach.
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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 Dublin (DUB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Dublin. While left wins for takeoff drama, the landing view from the right is more rewarding on this long transatlantic flight. Dublin's approach offers genuine urban and coastal geography, whereas the mid-Atlantic crossing provides no landmarks from either side. Right seats capture the arrival experience more memorably.
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/09R (westbound). Left seats face north during climb-out, giving direct views of San Diego Bay, downtown skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula. Right seats see inland terrain and urban sprawl with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay (immediate foreground), Coronado Island and its distinctive curved shoreline, downtown San Diego high-rises, Point Loma peninsula extending southwest.
What can I see when landing at Dublin in Dublin?
When landing at Dublin (DUB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Dublin approaches typically use runways 10/28 depending on wind. For eastbound arrivals on runway 10, right seats face south during descent, offering views of the Irish coastline, Dublin Bay, and the city's approach path. Left seats see inland countryside with fewer distinctive urban features until final approach. Notable sights include: Dublin Bay's distinctive curved shoreline, Howth Peninsula (rocky headland northeast of the bay), Dublin city center and the Liffey River valley, the Wicklow Mountains as a distant ridge to the south.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Dublin?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Dublin (DUB) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,197 miles (8,363 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Dublin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic with no visible landmarks for roughly 8 hours. Departing westbound from San Diego, the aircraft climbs over the Pacific, passing south of the Channel Islands (not visible at cruise altitude). The route tracks northeast across open ocean, passing south of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks. As the aircraft approaches Ireland, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and continental shelf features remain invisible at cruise altitude. The only notable geographic feature visible mid-flight would be occasional icebergs or pack ice in the North Atlantic during winter months, but these are rare and not reliably visible. The approach to Ireland brings the first landfall after 8+ hours of open water.