The left side delivers a stronger, more sustained mountain experience—from the close Wasatch wall on departure to glimpses of the rugged Virgin River Gorge terrain along the route—while the right side's strength is concentrated mainly in the brief but iconic Strip approach.
Flown SLC to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Las Vegas is 368 miles (592 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Escalante Desert basin, Beaver Dam Mountains, Virgin River Gorge along the I-15 corridor, edge of the Mojave Desert near Mesquite, Nevada
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
LEFTDeparting SLC southbound puts the steep, snow-capped Wasatch Range right off the left wing, including the peaks above Salt Lake City's canyons. The right side shows the flatter Oquirrh Mountains and a receding view of the Great Salt Lake, which is scenic but less dramatic than the close-in Wasatch wall.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTOn approach into Las Vegas, arrivals commonly land on the 26 runways from the east, giving right-side passengers a straight-on view of the Strip's towers and the turquoise water of Lake Mead just before the turn onto final. The left side mostly shows the darker, less distinctive volcanic hills west of the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. The left side delivers a stronger, more sustained mountain experience—from the close Wasatch wall on departure to glimpses of the rugged Virgin River Gorge terrain along the route—while the right side's strength is concentrated mainly in the brief but iconic Strip approach.
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. Departing SLC southbound puts the steep, snow-capped Wasatch Range right off the left wing, including the peaks above Salt Lake City's canyons. The right side shows the flatter Oquirrh Mountains and a receding view of the Great Salt Lake, which is scenic but less dramatic than the close-in Wasatch wall. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Mount Olympus, Cottonwood Canyons, Great Salt Lake (right side, receding).
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Las Vegas, arrivals commonly land on the 26 runways from the east, giving right-side passengers a straight-on view of the Strip's towers and the turquoise water of Lake Mead just before the turn onto final. The left side mostly shows the darker, less distinctive volcanic hills west of the valley. Notable sights include: Las Vegas Strip skyline, Lake Mead, McCullough Range, Henderson valley floor.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 368 miles (592 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
Escalante Desert basin, Beaver Dam Mountains, Virgin River Gorge along the I-15 corridor, edge of the Mojave Desert near Mesquite, Nevada