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CLT → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers the most dramatic views, including the southern edge of the Appalachians and the legendary low-altitude descent directly past the skyscrapers of Downtown San Diego.
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Blue Ridge Mountains
Scenic views of the Appalachian mountain range shortly after takeoff from North Carolina.
Ozark Plateau
Deep green river valleys and rugged terrain visible as the flight crosses over Arkansas.
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The southern tip of the Rockies in New Mexico provides stunning snow-capped peaks in winter.
Sedona Red Rocks
Brilliant crimson geological formations and deep canyons visible while passing over Northern Arizona.
Downtown San Diego Skyline
The famous approach where the aircraft flies remarkably close to the skyscrapers and Balboa Park.
The right side is the undisputed winner for the 'San Diego Arrival.' Because SAN uses Runway 27 most of the time, the plane descends directly over the city; the right side provides an incredible close-up of the skyscrapers. Aim for a seat in front of the wing for an unobstructed view of the urban landscape. Morning flights provide the best lighting for the Arizona desert and the Ozarks.
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Piedmont Plateau
Lush green forests and rolling hills of the Carolinas immediately after departure from CLT.
Dallas-Fort Worth
A frequent landmark on the southern transcontinental route, showing the vast North Texas urban sprawl.
Chihuahuan Desert
The stark, beautiful landscapes of West Texas and Southern New Mexico transition into view.
Salton Sea
The massive, shimmering saline lake in the California desert is a prominent landmark before the final descent.
San Diego Bay & Coronado
Views of the naval fleet, the iconic Coronado Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean during the final approach.
Choose the left side if you want to see the San Diego Bay and Coronado during the final seconds of the flight. For morning departures, the sun will be on this side for much of the trip, so keep your window shade partially closed to avoid glare. This side is also excellent for spotting the Salton Sea about 20-30 minutes before landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,335 km (2,072 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 55 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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