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ISP → SNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Long Island Mac Arthur Airport (Islip) to John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior primarily for the iconic views of the Manhattan skyline shortly after takeoff from Islip, followed by expansive views of the Great Lakes and the rugged Northern Rockies.
Manhattan Skyline
Breathtaking views of the New York City skyline and Central Park shortly after departure from ISP.
Great Lakes
Glittering views of the southern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan depending on the jet stream path.
Rocky Mountains
Extensive views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Colorado or Utah Rockies mid-flight.
Great Salt Lake
The striking contrast of white salt flats and deep blue-green waters near Salt Lake City.
Mojave Desert
A vast expanse of craters and dry lake beds as the plane enters California airspace.
Sit on the right for the best chance to see NYC; ensure you are in a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. This side remains shaded for most of the westbound trip, providing better conditions for photography. Look for the Great Salt Lake roughly 4 hours into the flight. On the final approach to SNA, you may see the San Gabriel Mountains.
Jersey Shoreline
Aerial perspectives of the Barnegat Peninsula and the Atlantic coastline early in the flight.
Painted Desert
Vibrant reds and oranges of the Arizona desert landscape visible during the final third of the journey.
Grand Canyon South Rim
Often visible on the horizon if the flight path takes a southerly transcontinental track over Northern Arizona.
San Jacinto Mountains
The dramatic 10,000-foot peaks near Palm Springs during the descent into the Los Angeles Basin.
Choose this side if you prefer seeing the desert sunrises or if you want to avoid direct sunlight during a late afternoon westbound flight. Keep your camera ready about 50 minutes before landing for potential Grand Canyon glimpses. Note that the sun will be on this side for most of the day, which can cause glare.
Distance: 3,997 km (2,484 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 42 min
Departure: ISP (40.79520035, -73.10019684)
Arrival: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Route Type: Domestic
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