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SAN β MSY
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the Left Side offers views of the Phoenix sprawl and Texas plains, the Right Side is superior for its proximity to the Mexican border landmarks, the Tucson aircraft boneyard, and the iconic aerial approach over the Mississippi River and Louisiana swamplands.
Sonoran Borderlands
Incredible textures of the desert floor and the geometric lines of the US-Mexico border.
Tucson Aircraft Boneyard
Thousands of mothballed military aircraft visible at Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson.
Franklin Mountains
The rugged ridge that splits the city of El Paso, with views extending deep into Ciudad JuΓ‘rez.
Texas Hill Country
Rolling limestone plateaus and winding rivers of Central Texas west of Austin.
Atchafalaya Basin
The largest wetland and swamp in the United States, featuring intricate networks of bayous.
Mississippi River & NOLA
Spectacular views of the 'crescent' river bends and the New Orleans skyline during the descent into MSY.
The Right Side is essential for the arrival phase. As you descend into New Orleans, you'll see the intricate hydrology of the Mississippi Delta. For sunset flights, this side offers dramatic orange and purple hues over the desert, though glare can be an issue. Use a polarising filter for photos to cut through the atmospheric haze over the Gulf Coast.
Laguna Mountains
Dramatic transition from San Diego's coastal basin to the high desert peaks.
Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering blue inland lake sitting below sea level in the California desert.
Phoenix Metro
Bird's-eye view of the vast urban grid and surrounding desert preserves of the Valley of the Sun.
White Sands Vista
Distant views of the gypsum dunes in New Mexico depending on the northern reach of the flight corridor.
Dallas-Fort Worth
The massive North Texas metroplex and its distinctive hub airports are often visible to the north.
East Texas Piney Woods
The landscape transforms from arid brown to a deep, lush green forest as you cross into the humid South.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side offers better views of the rugged mountain ranges in Central Arizona and the high plains of the Texas Panhandle edge. Watch for the dramatic change in vegetation as you cross the 100th meridian.
Distance: 2,568 km (1,596 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 25 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Route Type: Domestic
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