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SLC → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most iconic views on this route, including the expansive Great Salt Lake immediately after takeoff, the stark white Bonneville Salt Flats, and a high-probability view of the stunning Lake Tahoe basin as you cross the Sierra Nevada.
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Great Salt Lake
Vibrant turquoise and green waters contrasted against the white salt shores of Antelope Island.
Bonneville Salt Flats
A massive, blindingly white expanse of salt crust stretching toward the horizon.
Ruby Mountains
Nevada's 'Swiss Alps,' featuring dramatic glaciated canyons and jagged peaks.
Lake Tahoe
The crown jewel of the Sierras, usually visible to the northwest as the flight crosses the CA/NV border.
Sierra Nevada Crest
A spectacular crossing of the snow-covered mountain range near the Donner Pass area.
South Bay Salt Ponds
The iconic red, orange, and green evaporation ponds near the San Francisco Bay during the SJC arrival.
The right side is essential for seeing Lake Tahoe; if the flight path is slightly north, you will pass directly over it. For sunset flights, this side offers dramatic lighting over the salt flats. Ensure your window is clean for the descent, as the colorful salt ponds near SJC are a highlight for photographers.
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Bingham Canyon Mine
One of the largest man-made excavations in the world, visible in the Oquirrh Mountains shortly after departure.
Great Basin Desert
Intricate 'basin and range' patterns across the Nevada desert floor.
Mono Lake
The distinct blue waters and volcanic islands of this ancient saline lake near the Sierra's eastern edge.
High Sierra Peaks
Distal views of the rugged southern Sierra Nevada and the outskirts of Yosemite National Park.
Lick Observatory
The historic white domes atop Mount Hamilton are often visible during the final descent into the Santa Clara Valley.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. Keep a close eye out within the first 5 minutes of flight for the massive copper mine. During the winter, the snow-capped southern peaks offer incredible contrast against the desert floor.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 939 km (583 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
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