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BOS → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (Boston) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Left Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning transcontinental views, the left side is the clear winner for its unparalleled perspective of the San Diego skyline and Balboa Park during the final descent into SAN.
Search flights from BOS to SAN
Boston Skyline
Aerial views of the Financial District and Back Bay immediately after takeoff from Logan.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored rock formations across northern Arizona's high desert plateau.
The Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering endorheic rift lake visible as you enter Southern California airspace.
Balboa Park
The botanical building and California Tower are visible just seconds before touchdown.
Downtown San Diego
One of the closest flybys of a city skyline in the world during the approach to Runway 27.
Sit on the left for the 'San Diego Arrival' which is famous among aviation enthusiasts. Note that this is the south-facing side, so expect direct sunlight for much of the westbound journey; keep your window shade partially closed to manage heat. For the best photography of the skyscrapers, use a fast shutter speed as the plane descends rapidly over the city.
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Get eSIMs for United StatesGreat Lakes
Depending on the flight path, glimpses of Lake Erie or Lake Michigan during the first half of the flight.
Colorado Rockies
Expansive views of the snow-capped peaks of the Front Range and the Continental Divide.
Canyonlands
The dramatic red rock arches and deep river-carved canyons of southeastern Utah.
Lake Mead
The deep blue waters of the reservoir and the surrounding desert peaks near the Nevada border.
Laguna Mountains
The final mountain barrier before the aircraft descends into the San Diego basin.
The right side is the 'shadow side' for a westbound flight, providing consistent lighting for photos without glare. You will get a better view of the rugged Utah and Colorado terrain. On arrival into SAN, you will see the residential hills of Bankers Hill and North Park rather than the downtown skyscrapers.
Book Hotels in San DiegoDistance: 4,156 km (2,582 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 53 min
Departure: BOS (42.36429977, -71.00520325)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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