Right-side seats capture the dramatic Wasatch Range departure and provide consistent views of the Sierra Madre ranges visible along much of the southbound flight path. The takeoff experience is significantly more visually distinctive than the landing.
Flown SLC to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Mexico City is 1,661 miles (2,672 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and approaches the Sierra Madre system. Notable features include the high desert terrain of northern Mexico, the Rio Grande visible in sections during descent into the Mexico City basin, and the transition from the Colorado Plateau's open landscape to the increasingly mountainous terrain surrounding Mexico City's high-altitude valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTSLC typically departs westbound on runways 16L/R, and right-side seats face the Wasatch Range directly as you climb. You'll see the dramatic eastern wall of the mountains receding beneath you, with the Salt Lake Valley spreading out to the west.
Landing at MEX
LEFTMexico City approaches typically use runways 05L/R or 09L/R depending on wind. On descent from the northeast, left-side seats offer the best view of the city's sprawl and the surrounding high-altitude basin. You'll see the urban grid expanding across the valley floor with the Sierra Madre mountains framing the landscape.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Mexico City. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Wasatch Range departure and provide consistent views of the Sierra Madre ranges visible along much of the southbound flight path. The takeoff experience is significantly more visually distinctive than the landing.
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 Right side for the best views. SLC typically departs westbound on runways 16L/R, and right-side seats face the Wasatch Range directly as you climb. You'll see the dramatic eastern wall of the mountains receding beneath you, with the Salt Lake Valley spreading out to the west. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (immediately east), Great Salt Lake (northwest, visible as a large pale body of water), Antelope Island (within the lake, visible as a dark mass), Salt Lake City downtown grid (directly below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Mexico City approaches typically use runways 05L/R or 09L/R depending on wind. On descent from the northeast, left-side seats offer the best view of the city's sprawl and the surrounding high-altitude basin. You'll see the urban grid expanding across the valley floor with the Sierra Madre mountains framing the landscape. Notable sights include: Mexico City urban area (massive grid pattern covering the valley floor), Lake Texcoco remnants (visible as lighter patches and canal systems within the city), Sierra Madre Oriental (eastern rim of the basin, visible as a distant mountain range), Benito Juarez International Airport (visible as runway configuration and taxiway grid during final approach).
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Mexico City?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,661 miles (2,672 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Mexico City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau and approaches the Sierra Madre system. Notable features include the high desert terrain of northern Mexico, the Rio Grande visible in sections during descent into the Mexico City basin, and the transition from the Colorado Plateau's open landscape to the increasingly mountainous terrain surrounding Mexico City's high-altitude valley.