While takeoff offers decent mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the San Gabriel Mountains are more visually prominent than the Santa Cruz range, and the descent offers layered views of the mountains, basin, and urban landscape together.
Flown SJC to BUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Burbank is 296 miles (477 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Kern County agricultural plains, Tehachapi Mountains (distant southern horizon during cruise), Mojave Desert fringe areas, San Joaquin Valley floor
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJC
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range as the aircraft climbs southwestward out of SJC. You'll see the ridge lines and valleys of these coastal ranges receding beneath the wing during the initial climb.
Landing at BUR
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into BUR. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains dominating the landscape, with the Los Angeles basin spreading out below, and the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA visible to the left as you descend toward Burbank.
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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 Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Burbank. While takeoff offers decent mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the San Gabriel Mountains are more visually prominent than the Santa Cruz range, and the descent offers layered views of the mountains, basin, and urban landscape together.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Diablo Range as the aircraft climbs southwestward out of SJC. You'll see the ridge lines and valleys of these coastal ranges receding beneath the wing during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Cruz Mountains, Diablo Range, San Francisco Bay (distant), Santa Clara Valley floor.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into BUR. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains dominating the landscape, with the Los Angeles basin spreading out below, and the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA visible to the left as you descend toward Burbank. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles Basin, Hollywood Hills, downtown Los Angeles skyline.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Burbank?
The flight from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 296 miles (477 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Burbank flight path pass over?
Kern County agricultural plains, Tehachapi Mountains (distant southern horizon during cruise), Mojave Desert fringe areas, San Joaquin Valley floor