The right side wins both the departure (Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal glimpse) and arrival (Lake Travis and Austin skyline) phases, while cruise scenery over the Southwest desert is largely similar on both sides.
Flown SJC to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Austin is 1,474 miles (2,372 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Sonoran Desert basins and scattered mountain ranges of southern Arizona and New Mexico, with the Rio Grande valley visible before descent into Texas
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJC
RIGHTDeparting SJC on runway 30, flights typically turn south along the Santa Cruz Mountains before heading east, giving right-side passengers a good look at the ridgeline and a glimpse of Monterey Bay's coastline in the distance, plus the San Jose urban sprawl below. Left side mostly shows the flatter Diablo Range foothills and Central Valley haze.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTOn approach to AUS runway 18 from the north, the right side faces west toward the Texas Hill Country, where Lake Travis's blue-green arms and the downtown Austin skyline are visible in the final minutes before landing. The left side only shows flat farmland and scattered towns east of the flight path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Austin. The right side wins both the departure (Santa Cruz Mountains and coastal glimpse) and arrival (Lake Travis and Austin skyline) phases, while cruise scenery over the Southwest desert is largely similar on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SJC on runway 30, flights typically turn south along the Santa Cruz Mountains before heading east, giving right-side passengers a good look at the ridgeline and a glimpse of Monterey Bay's coastline in the distance, plus the San Jose urban sprawl below. Left side mostly shows the flatter Diablo Range foothills and Central Valley haze. Notable sights include: Santa Cruz Mountains, San Jose downtown, Monterey Bay (distant), Santa Clara Valley.
What can I see when landing at Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
When landing at Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AUS runway 18 from the north, the right side faces west toward the Texas Hill Country, where Lake Travis's blue-green arms and the downtown Austin skyline are visible in the final minutes before landing. The left side only shows flat farmland and scattered towns east of the flight path. Notable sights include: Lake Travis, Downtown Austin skyline, Texas Hill Country, Colorado River.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Austin?
The flight from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,474 miles (2,372 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Austin flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert basins and scattered mountain ranges of southern Arizona and New Mexico, with the Rio Grande valley visible before descent into Texas