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DSM → LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Des Moines International Airport (Des Moines) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior sequence of landmarks, including the rugged southern Rocky Mountains, distant views of the Grand Canyon, and a prime aerial perspective of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam during the final descent into Las Vegas.
Search flights from DSM to LAS
Southern Rockies
Aerial views of the high peaks near the Continental Divide in southern Colorado.
Canyonlands
The intricate, winding river carved canyons and mesas of southeastern Utah.
Grand Canyon
Sweeping views of the North Rim and the vast depth of the canyon on the southern horizon.
Lake Mead
The vivid blue waters of the reservoir contrasted against the dark red desert terrain.
Hoover Dam
A clear view of the iconic engineering marvel just before the final approach.
The Las Vegas Strip
Frequent views of the resort skyline when landing on the 26 runways from the east.
Book a window seat behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the Hoover Dam. On afternoon flights, the sun is to the south, so expect some glare; however, the lighting on the red rocks of Utah is spectacular. Watch closely about 20 minutes before landing for the Lake Mead shoreline.
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Rocky Mountain NP
Views of Longs Peak and the dramatic snow-capped summits of northern Colorado.
Colorado River
Aerial view of the river's path as it winds through northern Utah and Arizona.
Zion National Park
Look for the distinct white and red sandstone formations of the Markagunt Plateau.
Valley of Fire
The brilliant red Aztec sandstone outcrops located just northeast of the Las Vegas valley.
Mt. Charleston
The prominent snow-capped peak to the west of Las Vegas visible during the approach.
The right side is ideal for avoiding direct sunlight on westbound afternoon flights. It offers better views of the Northern Rockies and Zion. If the flight loops around the city for a western approach, the right side will get the primary view of the Las Vegas Strip resorts.
Book Hotels in Las VegasDistance: 1,952 km (1,213 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 36 min
Departure: DSM (41.53400039672852, -93.66310119628906)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
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