Takeoff views from the left are significantly more dramatic, with the Pacific coastline and Mission Bay providing distinctive visual landmarks. Landing views are comparable between sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall recommendation to left.
Flown SAN to EZE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Buenos Aires is 6,019 miles (9,686 km), a flight of about 11 hours 40 minutes.
This southbound route crosses the Mexican interior (Sierra Madre Occidental visible as a distant mountain range during the first 2-3 hours), then extends over the Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight. The route passes west of Central America and the Caribbean, crossing the equator over open ocean. As the flight approaches South America, the Andes Mountains become visible on the eastern horizon (approximately 1-2 hours before landing), with the spine of the cordillera running north-south. The final descent into Buenos Aires approaches from the east, crossing the Río de la Plata estuary, one of the world's widest river mouths, which appears as a massive tan-colored water body due to sediment from the Paraná and Uruguay rivers.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTSan Diego International typically departs runways 9L/9R (westbound) or 27L/27R (eastbound). Westbound departures favor left seats for views of the Pacific coastline, Mission Bay, and the San Diego urban sprawl receding eastward. Eastbound departures from 27s offer less dramatic scenery initially.
Landing at EZE
RIGHTApproach to San Diego typically uses runways 27L/27R (eastbound) or 9L/9R (westbound). Eastbound approaches (27s) descending from the east favor right seats for views of the San Diego Bay, downtown waterfront, and Coronado Island. Right-seat passengers see the bay's geography unfold clearly during 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 Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Buenos Aires. Takeoff views from the left are significantly more dramatic, with the Pacific coastline and Mission Bay providing distinctive visual landmarks. Landing views are comparable between sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall recommendation to left.
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 International typically departs runways 9L/9R (westbound) or 27L/27R (eastbound). Westbound departures favor left seats for views of the Pacific coastline, Mission Bay, and the San Diego urban sprawl receding eastward. Eastbound departures from 27s offer less dramatic scenery initially. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean (immediate west), Mission Bay (southwest), San Diego downtown skyline (southeast), Point Loma peninsula (south).
What can I see when landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to San Diego typically uses runways 27L/27R (eastbound) or 9L/9R (westbound). Eastbound approaches (27s) descending from the east favor right seats for views of the San Diego Bay, downtown waterfront, and Coronado Island. Right-seat passengers see the bay's geography unfold clearly during final approach. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay (central feature), Coronado Island (south of bay), downtown San Diego waterfront (north shore), North Island Naval Air Station (west side of bay).
How long is the flight from San Diego to Buenos Aires?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) takes about 11 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,019 miles (9,686 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
This southbound route crosses the Mexican interior (Sierra Madre Occidental visible as a distant mountain range during the first 2-3 hours), then extends over the Pacific Ocean for the majority of the flight. The route passes west of Central America and the Caribbean, crossing the equator over open ocean. As the flight approaches South America, the Andes Mountains become visible on the eastern horizon (approximately 1-2 hours before landing), with the spine of the cordillera running north-south. The final descent into Buenos Aires approaches from the east, crossing the Río de la Plata estuary, one of the world's widest river mouths, which appears as a massive tan-colored water body due to sediment from the Paraná and Uruguay rivers.