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ABQ → LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers an unparalleled panorama of the Southwest's most iconic landscapes, most notably the Grand Canyon and the vibrant colors of the Painted Desert, followed by a prime view of the Las Vegas Strip on descent.
Search flights from ABQ to LAS
Mount Taylor
A prominent stratovolcano and sacred peak that dominates the skyline west of Albuquerque.
The Painted Desert
Stunning expanses of badlands featuring stratified layers of siltstone and mudstone in hues of red, orange, and lavender.
The Grand Canyon
Breathtaking views of the South Rim and the winding Colorado River as the flight path skirts the southern edge of the canyon.
Lake Mead
The deep blue waters of the largest reservoir in the US, providing a sharp contrast against the jagged desert peaks.
The Las Vegas Strip
On standard approaches to runways 26L or 26R, this side offers a spectacular view of the mega-resorts and the Sphere.
The Grand Canyon is the star attraction; it will appear about halfway through the flight. For the best photography, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Afternoon flights provide exceptional lighting for the Painted Desert, as the setting sun enhances the red rock tones. On arrival, keep your camera ready for the Las Vegas Strip which appears just minutes before touchdown.
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El Malpais National Monument
Ancient volcanic fields featuring vast black lava flows and cinder cones visible shortly after departure.
Meteor Crater
A remarkably preserved impact site located near Winslow, Arizona, appearing as a distinct bowl in the desert floor.
Hoover Dam
The massive concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River, often visible during the final descent into the Vegas basin.
Sit near the window to spot the distinct circular shape of Meteor Crater approximately 30-40 minutes into the flight. If the plane approaches LAS from the south, this side provides a direct look at the engineering scale of the Hoover Dam and the bypass bridge. Morning flights are best to avoid the intense afternoon sun glare reflecting off the desert floor.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 781 km (485 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min
Departure: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
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