The right side captures the San Diego Bay/downtown skyline on departure, the southern Rockies and Rio Grande valley during cruise, and the wooded Piedmont terrain on approach into RDU, giving it more consistent scenic variety than the left side's largely flat Great Plains views.
Flown SAN to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Raleigh-Durham is 2,189 miles (3,522 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Sonoran Desert basins, southern Rocky Mountain foothills near Albuquerque, the Rio Grande valley, and the Mississippi River floodplain are crossed during cruise before the terrain rises again into the Appalachian foothills near North Carolina.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting on Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before banking south and east onto its transcontinental heading, putting downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and the harbor on the right side of the cabin during the turn.
Landing at RDU
RIGHTOn approach into RDU, arrivals from the west typically join a pattern for Runway 23, curving over the rolling Piedmont hills and reservoirs southwest of Raleigh before turning final, giving right-side passengers a last look at the wooded terrain and lake country.
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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 Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Raleigh-Durham. The right side captures the San Diego Bay/downtown skyline on departure, the southern Rockies and Rio Grande valley during cruise, and the wooded Piedmont terrain on approach into RDU, giving it more consistent scenic variety than the left side's largely flat Great Plains views.
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 Right side for the best views. Departing on Runway 27, the aircraft climbs west over San Diego Bay before banking south and east onto its transcontinental heading, putting downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and the harbor on the right side of the cabin during the turn. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into RDU, arrivals from the west typically join a pattern for Runway 23, curving over the rolling Piedmont hills and reservoirs southwest of Raleigh before turning final, giving right-side passengers a last look at the wooded terrain and lake country. Notable sights include: Jordan Lake, Piedmont forested hills, Research Triangle suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,189 miles (3,522 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert basins, southern Rocky Mountain foothills near Albuquerque, the Rio Grande valley, and the Mississippi River floodplain are crossed during cruise before the terrain rises again into the Appalachian foothills near North Carolina.