The right side wins primarily because of the Rocky Mountain views during the Calgary departure, which stand out sharply against an otherwise flat, feature-poor Great Plains cruise; the left side's only real payoff is a brief skyline glimpse on final approach into Dallas.
Flight Path
Flat farmland and prairie of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado eastern plains, transitioning into the featureless grasslands of Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Texas with no major mountain or water features along the cruise track
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYC
RIGHTDeparting YYC southbound, the Rocky Mountain front range is visible off to the west (right side) as the aircraft climbs, with Calgary's skyline and the Bow River valley receding behind on the left. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the first several minutes before the plane turns onto its southeast track over the prairies.
Landing at DFW
LEFTOn approach into DFW from the north, the Dallas downtown skyline and the Trinity River corridor become visible off the left side of the aircraft as it descends over the flat North Texas plains. The right side mainly shows suburban sprawl and featureless farmland with no distinct landmarks.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Calgary International (YYC) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Calgary to Dallas-Fort Worth. The right side wins primarily because of the Rocky Mountain views during the Calgary departure, which stand out sharply against an otherwise flat, feature-poor Great Plains cruise; the left side's only real payoff is a brief skyline glimpse on final approach into Dallas.
What can I see during takeoff from Calgary International in Calgary?
During takeoff from Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YYC southbound, the Rocky Mountain front range is visible off to the west (right side) as the aircraft climbs, with Calgary's skyline and the Bow River valley receding behind on the left. The mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the first several minutes before the plane turns onto its southeast track over the prairies. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain front range foothills, Bow River, Calgary downtown skyline, Kananaskis Country peaks in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into DFW from the north, the Dallas downtown skyline and the Trinity River corridor become visible off the left side of the aircraft as it descends over the flat North Texas plains. The right side mainly shows suburban sprawl and featureless farmland with no distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Dallas downtown skyline, Trinity River, DFW airport's parallel runway complex, flat North Texas farmland.
How long is the flight from Calgary to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Calgary International (YYC) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes 2h 55m.
What does the Calgary to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
Flat farmland and prairie of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado eastern plains, transitioning into the featureless grasslands of Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Texas with no major mountain or water features along the cruise track