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SAN → DFW
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas-Fort Worth)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the striking geological contrast of the Southwest, including the Salton Sea, the sprawling Phoenix metro, and the brilliant white gypsum dunes of New Mexico.
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Salton Sea
California's largest inland lake, appearing as a deep blue jewel against the stark desert landscape.
Phoenix Metro
A massive urban grid extending across the Valley of the Sun, often passed directly to the north.
White Sands National Park
The world's largest gypsum dune field, appearing as a brilliant white patch in the Tularosa Basin.
Sacramento Mountains
High-altitude forested peaks in New Mexico that contrast sharply with the surrounding arid plains.
Grapevine Lake
A key navigation landmark indicating the final approach into the DFW airfield complex.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun glare. About 60-70 minutes into the flight, keep a sharp eye out for the shimmering white sands of New Mexico. During the DFW arrival, if the plane lands to the south, you will get a great view of the northern suburbs and the airport's massive infrastructure.
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US-Mexico Border
The clearly defined line between San Diego and Tijuana is visible shortly after the initial climb.
Sonoran Desert
Rugged mountains and iconic desert landscapes stretching across southern Arizona.
Franklin Mountains
The dramatic mountain range that bisects the city of El Paso at the edge of the Texas border.
Permian Basin
The heart of the Texas oil industry, featuring a dense network of well pads and access roads.
Fort Worth Skyline
A close-up view of 'Cowtown' and the historic Stockyards district during the final descent.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights, as the desert mountains of Arizona and West Texas glow with deep oranges and reds. At night, this side is particularly interesting over the Permian Basin, where thousands of oil rigs create a unique 'carpet of lights' in the middle of the dark desert.
Book Hotels in Dallas-Fort WorthDistance: 1,880 km (1,168 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 30 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: DFW (32.896801, -97.038002)
Route Type: Domestic
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