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BLI → LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Bellingham International Airport (Bellingham) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the iconic 'Volcano Parade' of the Pacific Northwest, offering unmatched views of the Cascade Range's most famous peaks.
Mount Baker
Visible almost immediately after takeoff, this massive glaciated volcano dominates the landscape east of Bellingham.
Mount Rainier
The most prominent peak in the lower 48 states, offering an incredible close-up view about 20-30 minutes into the flight.
Mount Hood
Oregon's highest peak is clearly visible as the flight path crosses the Columbia River Gorge south of Portland.
The Las Vegas Strip
On many standard arrival patterns into LAS, the left side offers the best views of the famous resort corridor during the final turn.
For morning flights, the left side is essential to avoid direct sun glare and capture the best lighting on the snow-capped volcanoes. Ensure you have your camera ready within the first 45 minutes of the flight to catch the primary mountain chain. Check the flight path; if you are arriving from the north, you might fly directly past the Stratosphere tower.
Puget Sound
Beautiful views of the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Mountains to the west during the initial climb.
Crater Lake
Depending on the specific airway, you may see the deep blue caldera of the deepest lake in the United States.
Sierra Nevada
Views of the rugged eastern slopes of the Sierra mountains as the flight tracks south toward the Mojave Desert.
Death Valley
Dramatic aerial perspectives of the white salt pans and stark geological formations of the lowest point in North America.
Red Rock Canyon
The vibrant red sandstone peaks of the Spring Mountains are visible during the descent into the Las Vegas valley.
The right side is the superior choice for late afternoon or sunset flights, as you can watch the sun dip below the horizon over the Pacific ranges. During the winter months, look for the stark contrast of snow on the high desert peaks of Nevada. Keep an eye out for the solar thermal towers near the border, which glow intensely during daylight hours.
Distance: 1,536 km (954 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 3 min
Departure: BLI (48.79280090332031, -122.53800201416016)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
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