Loading map...
LAS → ABQ
Which side of the plane to sit from McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) to Albuquerque International Sunport (Albuquerque)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic landmarks of the Southwest, including the San Francisco Peaks, the Painted Desert, and a clear view of the world-famous Meteor Crater.
Lake Mead & Hoover Dam
Visible immediately after takeoff from LAS, offering a perfect view of the reservoir and the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Grand Canyon (South Rim)
While several miles north, the dramatic elevation changes and layered rock formations of the canyon's edge are clearly visible.
San Francisco Peaks
Arizona's highest mountains, often snow-capped, located near Flagstaff, providing a dramatic vertical contrast to the plateau.
Meteor Crater
A massive, perfectly preserved impact site located near Winslow, AZ; it is one of the most distinct landmarks from the air.
Painted Desert
Vibrant and colorful badlands consisting of triassic-aged siltstone and shale in shades of lavender, red, and orange.
Sandia Mountains
A spectacular view of the pink-hued granite cliffs on the eastern edge of Albuquerque as the plane begins its final approach.
Choose a window seat on the left for the best morning light, as the sun will be behind you. Look for the distinct circular shape of Meteor Crater about 30-40 minutes into the flight. In winter, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff are stunning when covered in snow.
Mohave Desert
Expansive views of the high desert terrain and the transition from Nevada into the Arizona high country.
Mogollon Rim
The massive escarpment that defines the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau, visible in the distance to the south.
Mount Taylor
A prominent 11,301-foot stratovolcano in western New Mexico that dominates the horizon near the town of Grants.
Pueblo Lands
Aerial perspectives of the Acoma and Laguna Pueblo lands, featuring unique mesa-top settlements and traditional architecture.
Rio Grande Valley
The lush green belt of the Rio Grande river contrasting against the surrounding desert as you descend into Albuquerque.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh glare of the southern sun. It provides a superior view of the volcanic fields in New Mexico and the vast expanse of the Acoma 'Sky City' region. Keep an eye out for the white-topped Mount Taylor during the descent.
Distance: 781 km (485 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min
Departure: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Arrival: ABQ (35.040199, -106.609001)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.