Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Texas Hill Country terrain during departure, the Appalachian foothills and river valleys through the midpoint, and Lake Erie's approach into Buffalo. Left side offers some water views but misses the geological diversity of the central route.
Flown SKF to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Antonio to Buffalo is 1,444 miles (2,323 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River valley near Memphis, then follows a northeast corridor over the Appalachian foothills of Tennessee and Kentucky. You'll pass east of the Cumberland Plateau, cross the Ohio River valley, and traverse the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania before descending toward the Great Lakes region. The terrain transitions from flat Texas plains to rolling hills, then to more pronounced ridge formations as you approach the Appalachian system.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SKF
RIGHTRight side offers views of San Antonio's urban sprawl and the surrounding Texas Hill Country terrain as you climb northeast. You'll see the city grid and the transition to rolling hills and sparse vegetation typical of south-central Texas.
Landing at BUF
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views during descent into Buffalo. You'll see Lake Erie's southern shoreline, the Niagara River, and the transition from rural western New York farmland into the Buffalo metropolitan area and waterfront.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lackland Afb Kelly Fld Annex (SKF) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Antonio to Buffalo. Right side captures the most dramatic scenery: Texas Hill Country terrain during departure, the Appalachian foothills and river valleys through the midpoint, and Lake Erie's approach into Buffalo. Left side offers some water views but misses the geological diversity of the central route.
What can I see during takeoff from Lackland Afb Kelly Fld Annex in San Antonio?
During takeoff from Lackland Afb Kelly Fld Annex (SKF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of San Antonio's urban sprawl and the surrounding Texas Hill Country terrain as you climb northeast. You'll see the city grid and the transition to rolling hills and sparse vegetation typical of south-central Texas. Notable sights include: San Antonio city center, Texas Hill Country foothills, Medina River valley, sparse oak and cedar woodland.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views during descent into Buffalo. You'll see Lake Erie's southern shoreline, the Niagara River, and the transition from rural western New York farmland into the Buffalo metropolitan area and waterfront. Notable sights include: Lake Erie, Niagara River, Buffalo waterfront and harbor, western New York agricultural landscape.
How long is the flight from San Antonio to Buffalo?
The flight from Lackland Afb Kelly Fld Annex (SKF) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,444 miles (2,323 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Antonio to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mississippi River valley near Memphis, then follows a northeast corridor over the Appalachian foothills of Tennessee and Kentucky. You'll pass east of the Cumberland Plateau, cross the Ohio River valley, and traverse the ridge-and-valley topography of the Appalachian Mountains in Pennsylvania before descending toward the Great Lakes region. The terrain transitions from flat Texas plains to rolling hills, then to more pronounced ridge formations as you approach the Appalachian system.