The right side delivers the most visually distinctive moments of the flight: the Great Salt Lake at departure and the vividly colored South Bay salt ponds at arrival, both of which are more striking and geographically unique than the mountain views on the left.
Flown SLC to SJC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Salt Lake City to San Jose is 583 miles (939 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, occasional glimpse of the Sierra Nevada crest and Lake Tahoe basin to the north before descending into California's Central Valley and the Diablo Range foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SLC
RIGHTDeparting SLC to the south then turning west toward California, the right side catches the sweeping view of the Great Salt Lake and its salt flats as the aircraft banks, while the left side only briefly sees the Wasatch Front before it falls behind.
Landing at SJC
RIGHTOn the approach into SJC from the east, the right side overlooks the South Bay's colorful salt evaporation ponds and the flat expanse of San Francisco Bay, a distinctive and vividly patterned feature, while the left side mainly sees the Santa Cruz Mountains' forested ridgeline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Salt Lake City to San Jose. The right side delivers the most visually distinctive moments of the flight: the Great Salt Lake at departure and the vividly colored South Bay salt ponds at arrival, both of which are more striking and geographically unique than the mountain views on the left.
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 to the south then turning west toward California, the right side catches the sweeping view of the Great Salt Lake and its salt flats as the aircraft banks, while the left side only briefly sees the Wasatch Front before it falls behind. Notable sights include: Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island, Oquirrh Mountains, Wasatch Range (fading behind).
What can I see when landing at Norman Y Mineta San Jose International in San Jose?
When landing at Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into SJC from the east, the right side overlooks the South Bay's colorful salt evaporation ponds and the flat expanse of San Francisco Bay, a distinctive and vividly patterned feature, while the left side mainly sees the Santa Cruz Mountains' forested ridgeline. Notable sights include: South Bay salt ponds, San Francisco Bay shoreline, Diablo Range foothills, San Jose skyline below.
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to San Jose?
The flight from Salt Lake City International (SLC) to Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 583 miles (939 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Salt Lake City to San Jose flight path pass over?
Great Basin desert ranges of Nevada, occasional glimpse of the Sierra Nevada crest and Lake Tahoe basin to the north before descending into California's Central Valley and the Diablo Range foothills.