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TUS → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Tucson International Airport (Tucson) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the striking Imperial Sand Dunes and the iconic final approach over San Diego Bay, showcasing the city skyline and Coronado.
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Imperial Sand Dunes
The massive, rolling golden dunes of the Algodones, looking like a scene from a desert epic.
Colorado River
The winding blue ribbon of water that carves through the desert at the Arizona-California border.
Imperial Valley
A stark geometric grid of deep green agricultural fields surrounded by harsh, arid desert terrain.
Downtown San Diego
An incredibly close-up view of skyscrapers as the flight path passes directly over Balboa Park.
Coronado Bridge
The iconic blue curve of the bridge and the bustling activity of the San Diego Bay and Naval Base.
USS Midway
The historic aircraft carrier docked in the harbor is clearly visible just seconds before touchdown.
The right side is essential for the world-famous approach into SAN Runway 27. You will fly exceptionally low over the city center. For the best experience, book a morning flight to avoid the hazy glare of the Pacific sun and look for the Imperial Sand Dunes approximately 30-40 minutes into the flight.
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Saguaro National Park West
Dense forests of giant saguaro cacti carpeting the Tucson Mountains shortly after takeoff.
Picacho Peak
A prominent, jagged volcanic peak rising sharply from the desert floor north of Tucson.
Salton Sea
The vast, shimmering expanse of California's largest inland lake visible to the northwest.
Cleveland National Forest
Rugged, chaparral-covered mountain ridges that mark the transition to the coastal climate.
La Jolla & Torrey Pines
Views of the upscale northern coastline and cliffs as the plane aligns for its final descent.
Sit on the left for better views of the rugged Arizona mountain ranges and the northern San Diego coastline during the final turn. Afternoon flights are ideal for this side as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the desert colors and mountain textures without glare.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 590 km (367 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 59 min
Departure: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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