While takeoff favors the left for Wasatch Range views, the landing approach to MEM strongly favors the right side for the Mississippi River's iconic meanders and Memphis skyline. The landing experience is more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff.
Flown SLC to MEM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Memphis is 1,259 miles (2,027 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Uinta Basin (northeastern Utah), then transitions over the Colorado Plateau and into the Great Plains. Notable midpoint features include the Book Cliffs (southern Utah), the Colorado River drainage system, and the high plains of western Colorado and Kansas. The landscape transitions from mountainous terrain to increasingly flat, agricultural plains. No major mountain ranges or dramatic water features are prominently visible from cruise altitude during the middle portion of the flight—mostly expansive, rolling terrain with scattered towns and highway corridors visible below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
LEFTSLC typically departs westbound (Runways 16L/R or 34L/R depending on conditions). Left-side seats offer immediate views of the Wasatch Range's dramatic eastern escarpment and the Salt Lake Valley floor. Right seats face the flatter western terrain toward the Great Salt Lake.
Landing at MEM
RIGHTMEM typically lands on Runways 27L/R (westbound approach). Right-side seats provide views of the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and the Memphis urban core along the river bluff. Left seats face the flatter, less distinctive terrain to the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Memphis. While takeoff favors the left for Wasatch Range views, the landing approach to MEM strongly favors the right side for the Mississippi River's iconic meanders and Memphis skyline. The landing experience is more visually distinctive and memorable than the takeoff.
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. SLC typically departs westbound (Runways 16L/R or 34L/R depending on conditions). Left-side seats offer immediate views of the Wasatch Range's dramatic eastern escarpment and the Salt Lake Valley floor. Right seats face the flatter western terrain toward the Great Salt Lake. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (immediate eastern wall), Salt Lake Valley urban grid, Great Salt Lake (northwestern expanse), Antelope Island (if visible in northern lake).
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. MEM typically lands on Runways 27L/R (westbound approach). Right-side seats provide views of the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and the Memphis urban core along the river bluff. Left seats face the flatter, less distinctive terrain to the east. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (distinctive S-curve bends), Memphis downtown skyline (bluff-top cluster), Shelby Farms (large park/reservoir east of city), Wolf River (tributary confluence).
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Memphis?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,259 miles (2,027 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Memphis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Uinta Basin (northeastern Utah), then transitions over the Colorado Plateau and into the Great Plains. Notable midpoint features include the Book Cliffs (southern Utah), the Colorado River drainage system, and the high plains of western Colorado and Kansas. The landscape transitions from mountainous terrain to increasingly flat, agricultural plains. No major mountain ranges or dramatic water features are prominently visible from cruise altitude during the middle portion of the flight—mostly expansive, rolling terrain with scattered towns and highway corridors visible below.