While takeoff offers excellent Blue Mountains views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown SYD to LAS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Las Vegas is 7,727 miles (12,435 km), a flight of about 13 hours 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the Australian interior (Outback) with sparse settlements and minimal distinctive landmarks for approximately 6 hours. The Pacific Ocean dominates the mid-flight segment for roughly 4 hours. Upon approaching North America, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the California-Nevada border, followed by the transition into the Great Basin desert terrain surrounding Las Vegas.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward from Sydney. Right seats face inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at LAS
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon as the aircraft descends toward Las Vegas from the east. Left seats face the desert floor with fewer distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Mc Carran International (LAS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Las Vegas. While takeoff offers excellent Blue Mountains views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea as the aircraft climbs westward from Sydney. Right seats face inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (inland, southwest), Tasman Sea (western horizon), Sydney Harbour and CBD (receding behind), Hawkesbury River valley (north).
What can I see when landing at Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
When landing at Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon as the aircraft descends toward Las Vegas from the east. Left seats face the desert floor with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains (south-southeast), Red Rock Canyon (south), Las Vegas Valley floor (north), Mojave Desert (east and south).
How long is the flight from Sydney to Las Vegas?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Mc Carran International (LAS) takes about 13 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,727 miles (12,435 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Las Vegas flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Australian interior (Outback) with sparse settlements and minimal distinctive landmarks for approximately 6 hours. The Pacific Ocean dominates the mid-flight segment for roughly 4 hours. Upon approaching North America, the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the California-Nevada border, followed by the transition into the Great Basin desert terrain surrounding Las Vegas.