Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Ana to Rome. Right side scores higher due to the dramatic volcanic terrain of the Alban Hills and Rome's iconic urban landmarks during the approach phase, which outweigh the coastal scenery of the SNA departure. The landing approach to FCO offers more varied and recognizable geography (river valley, volcanic ridge, historic city) compared to the relatively flat inland terrain visible on the right side during takeoff from Orange County.

During takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Southern California coast during climb-out from SNA, including the Pacific shoreline, Newport Beach harbor, and the urban sprawl of Orange County. Right side faces inland toward the San Gabriel Mountains and flat inland valleys with minimal visual interest during departure. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Newport Harbor, Catalina Island (distant), Orange County urban grid.

When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north-facing) during approach to FCO offers views of the Tiber River valley, the Alban Hills volcanic terrain south of Rome, and the city of Rome itself with its distinctive urban pattern and dome-studded skyline. Left side faces the Tyrrhenian Sea and coastal plains with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Tiber River and its valley, Alban Hills volcanic ridge, Rome city center with St. Peter's Basilica dome visible, Fiumicino airport and Ostia coastal plain.

The flight from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes 10h 45m.

Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no significant landmarks for approximately 6 hours; the route passes north of Newfoundland and south of Greenland, then crosses toward the British Isles. Over the Atlantic, neither side offers scenic value. Upon approaching Europe, the right side (north-facing) may glimpse the Irish coast and Welsh mountains during the final 2 hours before reaching the UK airspace. The left side faces open ocean and the Bay of Biscay. The flight then crosses France, with the right side potentially viewing the Alps or Jura Mountains depending on routing, before descending into the Rome approach corridor over central Italy.