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DAL destination photo
ABQ destination photo

DALABQ

Our Recommendation
8.2

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior perspective of the rugged Texas Panhandle and the dramatic Sandia Mountains during the descent into Albuquerque.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
🏞️

Palo Duro Canyon

The second-largest canyon in the United States, showcasing vibrant red rock layers south of Amarillo.

🛣️

Historic Route 66

Follow the legendary 'Mother Road' corridor and the parallel BNSF railway lines crossing the panhandle.

🏜️

Tucumcari Mountain

A prominent flat-topped mesa that served as a landmark for early travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.

🏔️

Sandia Crest

Stunning 10,000-foot peaks that tower over the city of Albuquerque, particularly dramatic during the final bank.

🌋

Volcanic Fields

Look for the dark basalt flows and volcanic cones north of the flight path as you enter New Mexico.

Choose the right side for spectacular sunset views over the Sandia Mountains. This side typically provides the best view of the Palo Duro Canyon if the flight path tracks slightly north. During October, watch for hot air balloons during the morning descent for the International Balloon Fiesta.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
🏙️

DFW Metroplex

Immediate views of the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth urban area and North Texas suburbs upon takeoff.

🏗️

West Texas Wind Farms

Expansive views of some of the world's largest wind turbine installations near Sweetwater and Abilene.

🏜️

Llano Estacado

The massive, flat 'Staked Plains' plateau stretching across the Texas-New Mexico border.

⛰️

Manzano Mountains

Rugged, high-altitude peaks located just south of Albuquerque during the final approach.

🐍

Pecos River

The winding path of the Pecos River carving through the high desert landscape of eastern New Mexico.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun at your back, providing better visibility and less glare for photography. On the descent, look for the distinct 'caprock' edge where the high plains drop off into the lower desert basins.

Top Activities in Albuquerque
Route Information

Distance: 932 km (579 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 33 min

Departure: DAL (32.847099, -96.851799)

Arrival: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)

Route Type: Domestic

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