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MEM → LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from Memphis International Airport (Memphis) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Left Side of the Plane
While the right side offers views of the Grand Canyon, the left side is generally superior for the approach into Las Vegas, providing a prime vantage point for the Hoover Dam and the iconic Las Vegas Strip during the final descent.
Mississippi River
Visible immediately after takeoff from Memphis, offering a wide-angle view of the river's massive bends and floodplains.
Ouachita National Forest
Rolling forested ridges and valleys of western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma.
Meteor Crater
A remarkably well-preserved meteorite impact site located near Winslow, Arizona, visible in the high desert.
Hoover Dam
The massive concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River, situated on the border of Arizona and Nevada.
Las Vegas Strip
During standard arrivals on Runway 26, the left side offers a stunning view of the skyline and desert resorts.
For the best experience, choose a morning flight to avoid the direct western sun glare. The 'money shot' of the Hoover Dam and the Strip usually occurs in the last 10 minutes of the flight. If the airport is using West Flow (standard), the left side is essential for seeing the casinos.
Ozark Mountains
Rugged plateau landscapes of northern Arkansas characterized by deep valleys and dense forest cover.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, featuring snow-capped peaks in New Mexico.
Painted Desert
Vast landscapes of multi-colored siltstone and shale in northern Arizona that glow in the afternoon light.
Grand Canyon
Depending on the specific flight corridor, the right side often catches the northern expanse of this natural wonder.
Lake Mead
The deep blue waters of the largest reservoir in the US, contrasting sharply against the stark Mojave Desert.
The right side is the better choice for geology enthusiasts wanting to spot the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. Fly in the late afternoon to see the colors of the canyon walls transition through deep oranges and purples as the sun sets.
Distance: 2,274 km (1,413 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 2 min
Departure: MEM (35.04240036010742, -89.97669982910156)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
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