The left side delivers a strong, sustained scenic sequence: San Diego Bay and downtown during the climbing turn, followed by clear views of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains through the San Gorgonio Pass during cruise. The right side's only real highlight is the brief but iconic Strip view on final approach.
Flown SAN to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Las Vegas is 259 miles (417 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
San Gorgonio Pass, San Jacinto Mountains, Coachella Valley, Mojave Desert
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTDeparting Runway 27, the aircraft climbs out over San Diego Bay and typically banks south past Coronado before turning northeast toward Vegas, putting the bay, Coronado Bridge, and downtown San Diego's skyline right outside the left windows during the turn. The right side mostly sees open ocean that quickly falls away as the plane turns inland.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTArrivals into Las Vegas on Runway 26L/26R fly a westbound final approach, and with the Strip lying just north of the runway centerline, right-side passengers get a straight-on view of the casino towers as the plane descends. The left side instead faces the McCullough Range and open desert to the south.
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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 Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Las Vegas. The left side delivers a strong, sustained scenic sequence: San Diego Bay and downtown during the climbing turn, followed by clear views of the San Jacinto and San Bernardino Mountains through the San Gorgonio Pass during cruise. The right side's only real highlight is the brief but iconic Strip view on final approach.
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. Departing Runway 27, the aircraft climbs out over San Diego Bay and typically banks south past Coronado before turning northeast toward Vegas, putting the bay, Coronado Bridge, and downtown San Diego's skyline right outside the left windows during the turn. The right side mostly sees open ocean that quickly falls away as the plane turns inland. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Las Vegas on Runway 26L/26R fly a westbound final approach, and with the Strip lying just north of the runway centerline, right-side passengers get a straight-on view of the casino towers as the plane descends. The left side instead faces the McCullough Range and open desert to the south. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip towers (Luxor, MGM Grand, Bellagio), downtown Las Vegas skyline, McCullough Range foothills.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Las Vegas?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 259 miles (417 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
San Gorgonio Pass, San Jacinto Mountains, Coachella Valley, Mojave Desert