The right side delivers a more dramatic and varied experience: coastal mountains at takeoff, desert ranges and basin terrain during cruise, and a striking Wasatch Range approach into SLC. The left side offers mostly open ocean early and flat desert basin later, with less landmark density.
Flown SBA to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Barbara to Salt Lake City is 615 miles (989 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Mojave Desert, southern Sierra Nevada foothills, Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, and the western edge of Utah's Great Salt Lake Desert before descending toward the Wasatch Front
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SBA
RIGHTAfter departing SBA to the southwest over the Pacific, the aircraft banks northeast toward SLC, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains rising just inland. Left-side passengers mostly see open ocean and the Channel Islands fading behind.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTOn approach into SLC, the north-south runway alignment means the final descent runs along the Salt Lake Valley with the Wasatch Range dominating the eastern side of the aircraft. Right-side passengers get dramatic close-up views of the steep, snow-capped peaks right before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Barbara to Salt Lake City. The right side delivers a more dramatic and varied experience: coastal mountains at takeoff, desert ranges and basin terrain during cruise, and a striking Wasatch Range approach into SLC. The left side offers mostly open ocean early and flat desert basin later, with less landmark density.
What can I see during takeoff from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport in Santa Barbara?
During takeoff from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing SBA to the southwest over the Pacific, the aircraft banks northeast toward SLC, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Santa Ynez Mountains rising just inland. Left-side passengers mostly see open ocean and the Channel Islands fading behind. Notable sights include: Santa Barbara coastline, Santa Ynez Mountains, Channel Islands (distant), Goleta Valley.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into SLC, the north-south runway alignment means the final descent runs along the Salt Lake Valley with the Wasatch Range dominating the eastern side of the aircraft. Right-side passengers get dramatic close-up views of the steep, snow-capped peaks right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Salt Lake Valley, Great Salt Lake (distant northwest), Cottonwood Canyons.
How long is the flight from Santa Barbara to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 615 miles (989 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Barbara to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, southern Sierra Nevada foothills, Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, and the western edge of Utah's Great Salt Lake Desert before descending toward the Wasatch Front