While takeoff offers good coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, and river confluence—making it the superior choice for the overall flight experience.
Flown SNA to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Ana to St. Louis is 1,566 miles (2,521 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain with scattered mountains), then transitions over Arizona and New Mexico with the Colorado Plateau visible as elevated terrain with canyon systems. The Rio Grande appears as a thin line in southern New Mexico. As the flight progresses eastward, the terrain becomes greener with the Ozark Plateau becoming visible in Missouri, characterized by rolling forested hills and river valleys.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SNA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Pacific coastline during the initial climb-out heading northeast. The left side faces inland toward developed Orange County suburbs with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at STL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline including the Gateway Arch, and the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers during approach from the east. Right side faces less distinctive suburban terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Ana to St. Louis. While takeoff offers good coastal views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, and river confluence—making it the superior choice for the overall flight experience.
What can I see during takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co in Santa Ana?
During takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Santa Ana Mountains and the Pacific coastline during the initial climb-out heading northeast. The left side faces inland toward developed Orange County suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Ana Mountains, Newport Beach and Laguna Niguel coastal communities, San Clemente Island (distant).
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis skyline including the Gateway Arch, and the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers during approach from the east. Right side faces less distinctive suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Mississippi River and its distinctive meanders, Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Missouri River confluence, Illinois bluffs on the eastern bank.
How long is the flight from Santa Ana to St. Louis?
The flight from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,566 miles (2,521 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Ana to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain with scattered mountains), then transitions over Arizona and New Mexico with the Colorado Plateau visible as elevated terrain with canyon systems. The Rio Grande appears as a thin line in southern New Mexico. As the flight progresses eastward, the terrain becomes greener with the Ozark Plateau becoming visible in Missouri, characterized by rolling forested hills and river valleys.