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SAN → SLC
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, featuring the Downtown San Diego skyline upon departure, the stunning red rock formations of Zion and Bryce Canyon during mid-flight, and a close-up view of the Wasatch Mountains on arrival.
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Downtown San Diego
An incredible view of the skyline, Balboa Park, and San Diego Bay during the climbing left turn.
Joshua Tree & Coachella
Distinctive desert landscapes and the massive wind farms near Palm Springs and the San Gorgonio Pass.
Zion National Park
Deep red canyons and massive sandstone monoliths visible as the flight crosses into Southern Utah.
Bryce Canyon
The unique orange hoodoos and natural amphitheatres are visible from cruising altitude.
Wasatch Range
Dramatic, snow-capped peaks that flank the eastern edge of the Salt Lake City basin during descent.
Sit on the right for the most iconic geological views. Morning flights are particularly spectacular as the rising sun illuminates the red rocks of Zion and Bryce Canyon. Keep your window shade up immediately after takeoff to catch the San Diego skyline, as the plane usually makes a sharp turn that puts the city right in your window.
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San Diego Coastline
Panoramic views of Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean during the initial westward climb.
Inland Empire
Vast views of the San Bernardino Mountains and the sprawling Southern California suburbs.
Las Vegas Strip
The neon lights and massive resorts of Vegas are often visible on the western horizon.
Utah Lake
A large freshwater lake that serves as a primary landmark just south of the Salt Lake Valley.
Great Salt Lake
The massive, shimmering expanse of the inland sea visible if the flight patterns approach from the north.
Choose the left side for coastal views during departure and to avoid direct sunlight on afternoon flights. If the flight path takes a more westerly route, you may get a distant but clear view of the Las Vegas Strip. This side is also best for viewing the Great Salt Lake during the final approach if landing to the south.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,008 km (626 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Route Type: Domestic
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