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SBN → LAS
Which side of the plane to sit from South Bend Regional Airport (South Bend) to McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route because it typically offers the iconic aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip during the final approach, along with better lighting for viewing the red rock formations of southern Utah on westbound morning and midday flights.
Chicago Perimeter
Glimpse the southern suburbs of Chicago and the industrial shoreline of Northwest Indiana shortly after departure.
Mississippi River
Cross the historic waterway near the Quad Cities, marking the transition from the Eastern US to the Great Plains.
Southern Rockies
Spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks in the Colorado Front Range visible to the south as you cross the Continental Divide.
Canyonlands
Aerial perspective of the intricate 'Island in the Sky' formations and deep river carvings in the Utah desert.
Lake Mead
The vast turquoise waters of the reservoir contrasted against the jagged dark mountains of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
Las Vegas Strip
The primary highlight of the route, offering a clear view of the mega-resorts and the High Roller wheel on the standard approach to LAS.
Book a seat on the left to maximize your chances of seeing the Las Vegas Strip; most flights landing on Runways 26L or 1L will fly directly past the resorts. For morning departures, the sun will be behind the plane or to the left, but as the day progresses, this side becomes shaded, which is ideal for reducing window glare when photographing the Utah canyons. Look for the Grand Canyon in the distance about 20 minutes before landing.
Heartland Grids
The fascinatng geometric patterns of circular irrigation fields across the Nebraska and Kansas plains.
Missouri River
The winding curves of the river near Omaha, traditionally known as the gateway to the American West.
Rocky Mountain NP
Dramatic views of the northern Colorado mountains, including Longs Peak and the high alpine tundra.
San Rafael Swell
A massive geological dome in south-central Utah featuring jagged 'reefs' of uplifted rock layers.
Valley of Fire
Bright red Aztec Sandstone outcrops that appear to glow when the sun is at the right angle.
Allegiant Stadium
If arriving from the north, you may see the 'Roomba' shaped stadium and the southern end of the Strip just before touchdown.
The right side is excellent for northern Rocky Mountain scenery. If you are on an afternoon flight, be aware that the sun will be shining directly into these windows for much of the cruise, which can make the cabin warm and the views washed out. Try to sit in a row well ahead of the wing to ensure the engine exhaust does not blur your view of the mountains. Seasonal tip: in winter, the contrast between the white snow and red Utah rocks is most vivid on this side.
Distance: 2,560 km (1,591 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 25 min
Departure: SBN (41.70869827270508, -86.31729888916016)
Arrival: LAS (36.08010101, -115.1520004)
Route Type: Domestic
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