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MSY → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning desert vistas, the Right Side (North) is superior for the iconic 'urban canyon' approach into San Diego, providing a close-up view of skyscrapers and Balboa Park.
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Atchafalaya Basin
Fly over the largest river swamp in the United States, visible shortly after departing New Orleans.
Guadalupe Mountains
Spot the highest peaks in Texas, including the limestone cliff of El Capitan rising from the desert floor.
The Salton Sea
See the massive, shimmering saline lake in the California desert before crossing the Cuyamaca Mountains.
San Diego Skyline
One of the most famous approaches in aviation, flying right past the skyscrapers of Downtown San Diego.
Balboa Park
Get a bird's eye view of the California Tower and the lush gardens just moments before touchdown.
The right side is essential for the 'San Diego Arrival.' Request a window seat forward of the wing for an unobstructed view of the skyscrapers. Be aware that on afternoon flights, the sun will be on the left, making the right side perfectly lit for photography of the Texas peaks and Arizona desert.
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Mississippi River Delta
View the intricate network of bayous and the vast wetlands of the Louisiana coast immediately after takeoff.
Imperial Valley
The stark contrast of bright green agricultural grids against the harsh brown California desert.
San Diego Bay
Aerial views of Naval Base San Diego, the Coronado Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean during the final descent.
Sonoran Desert
Sweeping views of the arid Arizona landscape south of Tucson, featuring rugged hills and desert plains.
Sit on the left if you want to avoid direct sunlight for most of this westbound flight. You will get great views of the Coronado Bridge and the Silver Strand during the final seconds of the flight. For early morning departures, the lighting on the desert floor is particularly dramatic on this side.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,568 km (1,596 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 25 min
Departure: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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