The right side wins overall because the long cruise segment crosses the high desert of northern Arizona near Flagstaff and the Painted Desert, then continues over the Salton Sea basin and the San Jacinto and Laguna Mountains before the descent into San Diego — a much richer and more varied set of landmarks than the mostly flat plains seen on the left during cruise, even though the left edges out the final landing view.
Flown STL to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to San Diego is 1,554 miles (2,501 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Texas and Oklahoma panhandle plains, northern New Mexico high plateau, San Francisco Peaks and Painted Desert near Flagstaff, Arizona, Mojave Desert, Salton Sea and Southern California mountain ranges approaching San Diego
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTDeparting STL on the parallel runways, the initial climb and turn toward the southwest briefly reveals the Mississippi River and its floodplain northeast of the airport, visible on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its westbound course over the flat Midwest.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the approach into SAN's Runway 27, the descent path passes just north of downtown, but the final turn and low pass put downtown San Diego's skyline, Balboa Park's greenery, and San Diego Bay squarely on the left side of the cabin as the plane lines up over Mission Valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to San Diego. The right side wins overall because the long cruise segment crosses the high desert of northern Arizona near Flagstaff and the Painted Desert, then continues over the Salton Sea basin and the San Jacinto and Laguna Mountains before the descent into San Diego — a much richer and more varied set of landmarks than the mostly flat plains seen on the left during cruise, even though the left edges out the final landing view.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing STL on the parallel runways, the initial climb and turn toward the southwest briefly reveals the Mississippi River and its floodplain northeast of the airport, visible on the right side before the aircraft settles onto its westbound course over the flat Midwest. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Missouri River confluence area, St. Louis suburbs, Midwest farmland.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach into SAN's Runway 27, the descent path passes just north of downtown, but the final turn and low pass put downtown San Diego's skyline, Balboa Park's greenery, and San Diego Bay squarely on the left side of the cabin as the plane lines up over Mission Valley. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to San Diego?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,554 miles (2,501 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to San Diego flight path pass over?
Texas and Oklahoma panhandle plains, northern New Mexico high plateau, San Francisco Peaks and Painted Desert near Flagstaff, Arizona, Mojave Desert, Salton Sea and Southern California mountain ranges approaching San Diego