Takeoff from San Diego offers superior scenic value with immediate views of the Pacific, bay, and coastal mountains. While the landing into Tulsa provides some interest with the Arkansas River and urban grid, the San Diego departure provides more dramatic and visually distinctive geography.
Flown SAN to TUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Tulsa is 1,234 miles (1,986 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert regions of southeastern California and southern Nevada, then transitions into Arizona's high desert plateau. Notable features include the Colorado River visible near the Arizona-Nevada border, Lake Havasu, and the transition from desert terrain into the Great Plains as the aircraft moves eastward across New Mexico, Oklahoma panhandle, and into Oklahoma. The Rio Grande valley may be visible in southern New Mexico depending on exact routing. Most of the cruise altitude flight crosses sparsely populated desert and plains with few distinctive landmarks visible from 35,000 feet.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTLeft seats offer immediate views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific coastline, and the Peninsular Ranges as the aircraft climbs eastward. Right seats face inland terrain with less distinctive visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at TUL
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Arkansas River valley, Tulsa's urban grid, and the surrounding Great Plains as the aircraft descends westbound into Tulsa International. Left seats face less distinctive terrain to the north.
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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 Tulsa International (TUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Tulsa. Takeoff from San Diego offers superior scenic value with immediate views of the Pacific, bay, and coastal mountains. While the landing into Tulsa provides some interest with the Arkansas River and urban grid, the San Diego departure provides more dramatic and visually distinctive geography.
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 terrain with less distinctive visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline, Peninsular Ranges (including Laguna Mountains to the east).
What can I see when landing at Tulsa International in Tulsa?
When landing at Tulsa International (TUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Arkansas River valley, Tulsa's urban grid, and the surrounding Great Plains as the aircraft descends westbound into Tulsa International. Left seats face less distinctive terrain to the north. Notable sights include: Arkansas River, Tulsa downtown skyline, Great Plains landscape, Caney River confluence area.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Tulsa?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Tulsa International (TUL) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,234 miles (1,986 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Tulsa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Desert and Mojave Desert regions of southeastern California and southern Nevada, then transitions into Arizona's high desert plateau. Notable features include the Colorado River visible near the Arizona-Nevada border, Lake Havasu, and the transition from desert terrain into the Great Plains as the aircraft moves eastward across New Mexico, Oklahoma panhandle, and into Oklahoma. The Rio Grande valley may be visible in southern New Mexico depending on exact routing. Most of the cruise altitude flight crosses sparsely populated desert and plains with few distinctive landmarks visible from 35,000 feet.