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AUS → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the Texan plains to the Sonoran Desert, culminating in a spectacular low-altitude sweep past the San Diego skyline and the bustling bay.
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Chihuahuan Desert
Vast stretches of arid landscapes and the winding Rio Grande near the international border.
Davis-Monthan Boneyard
Thousands of retired military aircraft stored in the dry Arizona air visible near Tucson.
Imperial Sand Dunes
Massive, rolling golden dunes near the California-Arizona border, often used as film locations.
Salton Sea
A striking, deep blue landlocked sea surrounded by the stark white salt flats of the desert.
San Diego Bay
Iconic views of the USS Midway, Coronado Bridge, and downtown skyscrapers during the final descent.
Sit on the left for the most iconic arrival into SAN; you'll pass very close to downtown towers and see the naval fleet. On afternoon flights, this side faces south/west and may have heavy sun glare, so have your window shade ready. Look for the aircraft boneyard roughly 75-90 minutes into the flight.
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Texas Hill Country
Lush green rolling hills and river valleys immediately after takeoff from Austin.
Guadalupe Mountains
The silhouette of El Capitan, the highest point in Texas, visible on clear northern tracks.
Phoenix Metro
Expansive views of the Valley of the Sun and the jagged Superstition Mountains to the east.
Cleveland National Forest
The rugged, pine-topped peaks of the Peninsular Ranges during the descent into California.
Balboa Park
A birds-eye view of the San Diego Zoo and historic Spanish Colonial architecture just seconds before landing.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight. It provides the best view of the Phoenix skyline and the mountainous terrain of the Cleveland National Forest. During the final seconds of flight, look straight down to see the San Diego Zoo's animal enclosures.
Book Hotels in San DiegoDistance: 1,870 km (1,162 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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