About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Auckland International (AKL) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Auckland to Los Angeles. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. At departure you get the Auckland harbour, CBD, and Hauraki Gulf volcanic islands; at arrival you get the LA Basin and Santa Monica Mountains. The transpacific overwater segment offers little to differentiate sides, so the bookend views determine the winner.
What can I see during takeoff from Auckland International in Auckland?
During takeoff from Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Auckland departures on runway 23L/23R head southwest, putting the right side facing northwest over the Waitemata Harbour, the CBD skyline, and the Hauraki Gulf. The Sky Tower and harbour bridge are clearly visible before the aircraft turns north toward the Pacific. Notable sights include: Auckland CBD and Sky Tower, Waitemata Harbour and Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island (volcanic cone in the Hauraki Gulf), Waiheke Island.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX arrivals typically come in from the east or northeast on runways 24L/24R heading west, meaning the right side faces north over the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles Basin. The left side faces south over the ocean and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu coastline, Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Santa Monica Bay, Hollywood Hills.
How long is the flight from Auckland to Los Angeles?
The flight from Auckland International (AKL) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Auckland to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast across the South Pacific, passing well east of Fiji and Tonga, crossing the equator roughly over open ocean near the Line Islands (Kiribati). The flight then passes north of Hawaii — typically 300 to 500 miles to the east — before crossing into US airspace over the northeastern Pacific. The vast majority of the route is open ocean with no land visible. On rare clear nights, the lights of Honolulu may be faintly visible on the right side if routing passes close enough, but this is not guaranteed.