While takeoff favors right seats for the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch, the landing view of the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake is more dramatic and sustained. Left seats capture the most visually striking portion of the journey during the final descent.
Flown STL to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Salt Lake City is 1,153 miles (1,856 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains westward from Missouri through Kansas, Oklahoma, and into the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico. Notable midpoint features include the Arkansas River (visible in eastern Kansas), the High Plains terrain (relatively featureless), and the Rocky Mountain foothills appearing on the western horizon around 2.5 hours into flight. The Sangre de Cristo Range and San Juan Mountains become visible in southern Colorado/northern New Mexico approximately 1 hour before landing. The final approach into SLC crosses the Wasatch Front with dramatic mountain terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTSTL typically departs eastbound (Runways 30L/30R) or westbound (Runways 12L/12R). Right-side seats on westbound departures offer immediate views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis skyline. Eastbound departures favor left seats, but westbound is more common for SLC routing.
Landing at SLC
LEFTSLC typically lands westbound (Runways 34L/34R) or eastbound (Runways 16L/16R). Westbound approaches favor left seats with views of the Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake. Eastbound approaches favor right seats, but westbound is the prevailing landing direction.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Salt Lake City. While takeoff favors right seats for the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch, the landing view of the Wasatch Range and Great Salt Lake is more dramatic and sustained. Left seats capture the most visually striking portion of the journey during the final descent.
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. STL typically departs eastbound (Runways 30L/30R) or westbound (Runways 12L/12R). Right-side seats on westbound departures offer immediate views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis skyline. Eastbound departures favor left seats, but westbound is more common for SLC routing. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (immediate view below), Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs across the river, Confluence of Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. SLC typically lands westbound (Runways 34L/34R) or eastbound (Runways 16L/16R). Westbound approaches favor left seats with views of the Wasatch Range and the Great Salt Lake. Eastbound approaches favor right seats, but westbound is the prevailing landing direction. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (dominant mountain wall), Great Salt Lake (northern approach), Salt Lake Valley floor with grid-pattern city streets, Oquirrh Mountains (western rim).
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,153 miles (1,856 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains westward from Missouri through Kansas, Oklahoma, and into the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico. Notable midpoint features include the Arkansas River (visible in eastern Kansas), the High Plains terrain (relatively featureless), and the Rocky Mountain foothills appearing on the western horizon around 2.5 hours into flight. The Sangre de Cristo Range and San Juan Mountains become visible in southern Colorado/northern New Mexico approximately 1 hour before landing. The final approach into SLC crosses the Wasatch Front with dramatic mountain terrain.