The right side wins on both ends and through the cruise: a scenic Amsterdam/coastal departure, a great-circle path that tracks near Iceland and Greenland's ice sheet visible off the north side, and a Los Angeles arrival over the mountains and downtown skyline. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless open Atlantic and Canadian boreal terrain.
Flight Path
Southern tip of Greenland's ice cap, Davis Strait pack ice, Baffin Island's rugged coastline, and the lake-studded Canadian Shield over Quebec/Ontario
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDepartures off Schiphol's Polderbaan typically climb south then bank west toward the North Sea to join the transatlantic track. That right-hand turn puts Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJsselmeer, and the Dutch coastal dunes directly below on the right side before the water takes over.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTIn LAX's normal west-flow arrival, planes descend from the east across the Los Angeles basin before turning onto final approach. Right-side passengers get a clear view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown LA skyline sliding past before the coastline and Pacific appear just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Los Angeles. The right side wins on both ends and through the cruise: a scenic Amsterdam/coastal departure, a great-circle path that tracks near Iceland and Greenland's ice sheet visible off the north side, and a Los Angeles arrival over the mountains and downtown skyline. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless open Atlantic and Canadian boreal terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures off Schiphol's Polderbaan typically climb south then bank west toward the North Sea to join the transatlantic track. That right-hand turn puts Amsterdam's canal ring, the IJsselmeer, and the Dutch coastal dunes directly below on the right side before the water takes over. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring, IJsselmeer, North Sea coastline, Dutch polder fields.
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. In LAX's normal west-flow arrival, planes descend from the east across the Los Angeles basin before turning onto final approach. Right-side passengers get a clear view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown LA skyline sliding past before the coastline and Pacific appear just before touchdown. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 11h 10m.
What does the Amsterdam to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland's ice cap, Davis Strait pack ice, Baffin Island's rugged coastline, and the lake-studded Canadian Shield over Quebec/Ontario