About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to New Orleans. While the takeoff offers excellent coastal scenery, the landing approach over the Mississippi River delta and Lake Pontchartrain provides more visually distinctive and geographically unique features. The delta's complex hydrology and wetlands are far more striking than the inland terrain crossed during cruise.
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. Left seats offer immediate views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the Peninsular Ranges as the aircraft climbs eastward. Right seats face inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline, Peninsular Ranges, Point Loma.
What can I see when landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Mississippi River delta, Lake Pontchartrain, and the approach into New Orleans from the east. The aircraft descends over the distinctive wetlands and waterways that characterize the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Mississippi River delta, Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans urban area, Gulf of Mexico.
How long is the flight from San Diego to New Orleans?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes 4h 15m.
What does the San Diego to New Orleans flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin deserts of California and Nevada, then transitions into the Colorado Plateau and Southern Rocky Mountains. Notable features include the Mojave Desert, Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon region (visible from altitude), and the transition into the Mississippi River basin as the aircraft descends toward Louisiana. The Rio Grande and its valley mark the approach to the Gulf Coast region.