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SAT → ELP
Which side of the plane to sit from San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio) to El Paso International Airport (El Paso)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the most dramatic geological landmarks in Texas, including the Permian Basin oil fields and the high peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains.
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Texas Hill Country
Rolling hills and river valleys characterize the first third of the flight heading west.
Permian Basin
A fascinating industrial landscape featuring thousands of oil pads and drilling infrastructure near Midland-Odessa.
Guadalupe Mountains
Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, and the iconic limestone cliff of El Capitan.
Salt Flat
Large, shimmering white gypsum salt flats located just west of the Guadalupe Mountains.
Hueco Tanks
Distinctive syenite rock outcrops and basins that are significant for their history and climbing terrain.
The right side is essential for seeing the Guadalupe Mountains, which is the scenic highlight of the route. For the best photography of these peaks, book a morning flight when the sun illuminates the eastern face of El Capitan. Avoid sitting directly over the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the oil field grids below.
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San Antonio Skyline
Aerial views of the Tower of the Americas and the historic downtown district shortly after takeoff.
Medina Lake
A crescent-shaped reservoir nestled in the rugged limestone hills of the Balcones Escarpment.
Trans-Pecos Desert
Vast stretches of Chihuahuan Desert showcasing stark geological textures and arid beauty.
Davis Mountains
The silhouette of this volcanic range and the site of McDonald Observatory are visible on the horizon.
Rio Grande & Juarez
As the flight descends into El Paso, the border river and the dense urban grid of Ciudad Juárez appear.
Choose the left side for evening flights to catch the sunset over the West Texas horizon. On clear days, look south to spot the international border winding through the desert. This side is also excellent for viewing the lights of the El Paso-Juarez metroplex during night arrivals.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 797 km (495 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min
Departure: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Arrival: ELP (31.80719948, -106.37799840000002)
Route Type: Domestic
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