The right side wins both takeoff and landing, offering dramatic Wasatch Range views on departure and Blue Ridge Mountain scenery on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat plains during cruise with no comparable dramatic terrain.
Flown SLC to RDU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to Raleigh-Durham is 1,819 miles (2,928 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Great Plains of Kansas, Ozark Plateau, Mississippi River crossing
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTDeparting SLC eastbound, the Wasatch Range rises dramatically just east of the airport, and the right side offers the clearer view of these jagged peaks as the plane climbs out of the Salt Lake Valley. Passengers can also catch a glimpse of the Great Salt Lake basin falling away behind as the aircraft turns east.
Landing at RDU
RIGHTOn approach into RDU from the west, the flight path crosses the southern Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, visible on the right side before the terrain flattens into the Piedmont. The right side also catches glimpses of the rolling hills and forested ridgelines characteristic of the Carolina foothills just before descent into the flatter Raleigh-Durham area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to Raleigh-Durham. The right side wins both takeoff and landing, offering dramatic Wasatch Range views on departure and Blue Ridge Mountain scenery on arrival, while the left side sees mostly flat plains during cruise with no comparable dramatic terrain.
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. Departing SLC eastbound, the Wasatch Range rises dramatically just east of the airport, and the right side offers the clearer view of these jagged peaks as the plane climbs out of the Salt Lake Valley. Passengers can also catch a glimpse of the Great Salt Lake basin falling away behind as the aircraft turns east. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Salt Lake Valley, Great Salt Lake (fading behind), Traverse Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into RDU from the west, the flight path crosses the southern Appalachians and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, visible on the right side before the terrain flattens into the Piedmont. The right side also catches glimpses of the rolling hills and forested ridgelines characteristic of the Carolina foothills just before descent into the flatter Raleigh-Durham area. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge Mountains, Piedmont foothills, Falls Lake (near RDU), Raleigh-Durham forested terrain.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,819 miles (2,928 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Great Plains of Kansas, Ozark Plateau, Mississippi River crossing