While takeoff offers good Hudson River views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains and the vast Los Angeles basin. The right side captures the most visually distinctive portion of the route.
Flown ALB to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Albany to Los Angeles is 2,462 miles (3,963 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania and Ohio), the Ohio River valley, and transitions into the Great Plains. Over the Midwest, the landscape becomes increasingly flat with visible river systems. As the aircraft approaches the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Utah, elevation increases significantly. The Great Basin and Mojave Desert become visible in the final hours, with sparse vegetation and distinctive geological formations. The Sierra Nevada and San Gabriel Mountains mark the final approach to Los Angeles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ALB
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Hudson River valley and Catskill Mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs westward, and left-side seats capture the river's course and ridge lines as they recede toward the horizon.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTRight side provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin's urban sprawl during descent. As the aircraft approaches from the east, right-side passengers see the mountain range and the transition from desert to developed areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Albany International (ALB) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Albany to Los Angeles. While takeoff offers good Hudson River views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains and the vast Los Angeles basin. The right side captures the most visually distinctive portion of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Albany International in Albany?
During takeoff from Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Hudson River valley and Catskill Mountains immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs westward, and left-side seats capture the river's course and ridge lines as they recede toward the horizon. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Catskill Mountains, Albany city grid, Mohawk River confluence.
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. Right side provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin's urban sprawl during descent. As the aircraft approaches from the east, right-side passengers see the mountain range and the transition from desert to developed areas. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, San Pedro Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Albany to Los Angeles?
The flight from Albany International (ALB) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,462 miles (3,963 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Albany to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania and Ohio), the Ohio River valley, and transitions into the Great Plains. Over the Midwest, the landscape becomes increasingly flat with visible river systems. As the aircraft approaches the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Utah, elevation increases significantly. The Great Basin and Mojave Desert become visible in the final hours, with sparse vegetation and distinctive geological formations. The Sierra Nevada and San Gabriel Mountains mark the final approach to Los Angeles.