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SAN destination photo
MSY destination photo

SAN β†’ MSY

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏜️

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.

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Franklin Mountains

The rugged ridge that splits the city of El Paso, with views extending deep into Ciudad JuΓ‘rez.

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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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
πŸ”οΈ

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.

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Phoenix Metro

Bird's-eye view of the vast urban grid and surrounding desert preserves of the Valley of the Sun.

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White Sands Vista

Distant views of the gypsum dunes in New Mexico depending on the northern reach of the flight corridor.

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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.

Top Activities in New Orleans
Route Information

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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