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SAN → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the High Desert's geological wonders and the Mogollon Rim, while providing relief from the harsh southern sun during the transcontinental journey.
Salton Sea
The massive, shimmering saline lake in the Colorado Desert, visible shortly after clearing the Cuyamaca Mountains.
Mogollon Rim
The dramatic edge of the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, featuring deep red rock canyons and high-altitude forests.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, stratified layers of siltstone and mudstone that create a colorful tapestry across the northern Arizona landscape.
Ozark National Forest
Dense, rolling green canopy and winding river systems as the flight crosses into the mid-south region.
Blue Ridge Mountains
The iconic hazy blue peaks of the Appalachian range visible during the descent into the Charlotte area.
Sit on the left to avoid direct sunlight on this eastbound route, which preserves visibility and prevents cabin overheating. Early in the flight, look for the stark white salt flats surrounding the Salton Sea. On clear winter days, the snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains may be visible in the distance to the north.
San Diego Bay
Stunning aerial views of Coronado Bridge and Point Loma immediately following the steep departure from SAN.
Imperial Valley
A patchwork of vibrant green agricultural fields that stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert sands.
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
The massive urban sprawl of North Texas, often featuring a clear view of the downtown skylines depending on the flight path.
Mississippi River
The wide, brown ribbon of the 'Father of Waters' marking the transition from the Great Plains to the humid East.
Catawba River
The winding river and series of reservoirs like Lake Wylie seen just before touching down at CLT.
The right side is excellent for 'wing-view' photography of the San Diego coastline during the initial climb. However, be prepared for intense sun glare for the first 3 hours of the flight. Use the flight map to time your view of the Mississippi River, which is a significant psychological and geographical midpoint of the journey.
Distance: 3,335 km (2,072 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 55 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: Domestic
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