While takeoff favors the left for Wasatch Range views, the landing experience on the right is more dramatic and sustained—the approach into Austin provides extended views of the city's geography and water features. Right-side seats capture the more memorable final descent.
Flown SLC to AUS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Austin is 1,086 miles (1,747 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and Llano Estacado. Notable features include the San Juan Mountains (visible to the southeast during climb-out), the New Mexico high desert plateau, and the Texas Panhandle's flat terrain. The Brazos River becomes visible in central Texas during descent. No major mountain ranges dominate the midpoint, but the gradual transition from high desert to rolling Texas hill country is apparent.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
LEFTLeft side seats capture the Wasatch Range immediately after departure. SLC typically departs northbound (runways 16L/16R), so left-side passengers get direct views of the dramatic peaks rising directly west of the airport.
Landing at AUS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best approach views into Austin. Typical landing runways are 17L/17R (southbound), so right-side passengers see the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake, and downtown Austin's skyline as the aircraft descends through 3,000-5,000 feet on final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Austin. While takeoff favors the left for Wasatch Range views, the landing experience on the right is more dramatic and sustained—the approach into Austin provides extended views of the city's geography and water features. Right-side seats capture the more memorable final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
During takeoff from Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats capture the Wasatch Range immediately after departure. SLC typically departs northbound (runways 16L/16R), so left-side passengers get direct views of the dramatic peaks rising directly west of the airport. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (Mount Olympus, Lone Peak), Great Salt Lake to the northwest, Salt Lake Valley floor, Antelope Island in the lake.
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. Right-side seats offer the best approach views into Austin. Typical landing runways are 17L/17R (southbound), so right-side passengers see the Colorado River, Lady Bird Lake, and downtown Austin's skyline as the aircraft descends through 3,000-5,000 feet on final approach. Notable sights include: Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin skyline, Mount Bonnell to the west, Zilker Park.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Austin?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,086 miles (1,747 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Austin flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and Llano Estacado. Notable features include the San Juan Mountains (visible to the southeast during climb-out), the New Mexico high desert plateau, and the Texas Panhandle's flat terrain. The Brazos River becomes visible in central Texas during descent. No major mountain ranges dominate the midpoint, but the gradual transition from high desert to rolling Texas hill country is apparent.