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BNA → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Nashville International Airport (Nashville) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior experience, primarily due to the world-famous approach into San Diego International Airport, which passes directly alongside the downtown skyline and Balboa Park. Additionally, this side provides better chances of spotting the Grand Canyon in the distance and the rugged peaks of the southern Rockies.
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Ozark National Forest
Dense green forests and rolling plateaus covering northern Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southern-most subrange of the Rocky Mountains, often snow-capped in winter and spring.
Meteor Crater
A nearly perfectly preserved impact site visible in the arid Arizona plateau east of Flagstaff.
Mojave Desert
Stark, beautiful geological formations and vast arid basins as you approach the California border.
Downtown San Diego
The iconic 'parking lot' approach provides a thrilling view of the city's skyscrapers and Balboa Park at eye level.
The right side is essential for the 'landing show.' To maximize the view of the San Diego skyline, choose a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the ground during the steep final descent. On clear days, you may also catch a distant glimpse of the Grand Canyon to the north while over northern Arizona.
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Mississippi River
Cross the massive, winding waterway near the Tennessee-Arkansas border shortly after departure.
White Sands National Park
Glimmering white gypsum dunes visible against the dark mountain backdrop of New Mexico.
Sonoran Desert
Vast stretches of cacti-filled valleys and rugged mountain ranges across southern Arizona.
Salton Sea
The huge, shimmering blue saline lake sitting below sea level in the California desert.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during morning departures to avoid the southern sun glare. This side is excellent for viewing the stark contrast of the desert floor and the irrigated agricultural grids of the Imperial Valley. Keep an eye out for the Mexican border wall stretching across the landscape near the end of the flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,812 km (1,747 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 45 min
Departure: BNA (36.1245002746582, -86.6781997680664)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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