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STL → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from St Louis Lambert International Airport (St. Louis) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a magnificent traverse of the American Southwest, featuring the Southern Rockies, the high deserts of Arizona, and the iconic Mojave landscapes.
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Missouri River
The winding Big Muddy provides a scenic farewell to the St. Louis area during initial climb.
Sangre de Cristo Range
The southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains featuring several peaks over 14,000 feet.
Painted Desert
Vibrant badlands in Arizona showcasing layers of siltstone, mudstone, and shale in every hue.
Meteor Crater
A massive, nearly circular impact crater clearly visible in the flat Arizona desert landscape.
Joshua Tree Landscapes
The transition from the Mojave to the Sonoran desert featuring unique rock formations and flora.
Lake Havasu
The bright blue waters of the Colorado River reservoir marking the border between Arizona and California.
The right side is premier for geological wonders. Watch for the dramatic rise of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as you enter New Mexico. In clear weather, you can often spot the Grand Canyon on the horizon to the north while passing over Arizona. Aim for a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the red rocks of Sedona and the jagged peaks of the Mojave Desert in high relief.
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Ozark Plateau
Lush rolling hills and deep valleys of the Missouri backcountry visible shortly after departure.
Salton Sea
California's largest and saltiest lake appearing as a vibrant blue oasis amidst the dry desert basin.
Laguna Mountains
The final mountain barrier before the coast, often dusted with snow in winter months.
Downtown San Diego
An incredibly close view of skyscrapers, Petco Park, and Balboa Park during the final descent.
San Diego Bay
Views of the naval shipyards and the Coronado Bridge just before touching down.
Sit on the left for the famous heart of the city approach into San Diego. As the plane descends over the Laguna Mountains, look for the Salton Sea—a massive blue eye in the desert. During the final two minutes of flight, you will pass directly over Balboa Park and alongside downtown skyscrapers. Afternoon flights may experience significant sun glare on this side of the aircraft.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,501 km (1,554 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 20 min
Departure: STL (38.748697, -90.370003)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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