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DFW → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is premier for this route due to the iconic landing sequence at San Diego International, where the aircraft glides past the skyscrapers of downtown. It also captures the Salton Sea and the diverse topography of the Arizona and California border.
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West Texas Wind Farms
Thousands of white turbines dotting the landscape near Abilene and Sweetwater.
Phoenix Basin
The massive urban sprawl of the Valley of the Sun, often including views of Camelback Mountain.
Salton Sea
California's largest, most enigmatic lake, appearing as a deep blue jewel in the desert floor.
Cleveland National Forest
The sudden transition from arid desert to pine-covered mountain ridges just east of San Diego.
Downtown San Diego
A world-famous landing view where the plane flies incredibly close to the downtown skyscrapers and Balboa Park.
The 'Urban Canyon' landing is the star attraction; book a seat in front of or well behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the skyscrapers. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on the left, giving the right side perfectly lit views of the Salton Sea and Arizona mountains.
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Chihuahuan Desert
Expansive views of the high desert plains across West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
Sonoran Borderlands
Aerial perspective of the rugged desert terrain stretching along the US-Mexico border.
Imperial Valley
A striking grid of bright green agricultural fields carved out of the surrounding tan desert.
Anza-Borrego Desert
Dramatic badlands and colorful rock formations as the plane begins its descent over California.
San Diego Bay
Views of the Coronado Bridge and the naval fleet stationed at North Island during the final turn.
Sit on the left if you want to see the literal line of the international border. During the final moments of landing, look out for the Coronado Bridge and the massive naval carriers in the bay. This side is typically less glare-heavy on morning flights heading west.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,880 km (1,168 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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