Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Aegean departure from Athens with visible coastline and islands, plus the scenic cruise phase over the Mediterranean and southern Europe. While LAX's approach offers mountain and basin views on the right, the left side's combination of Mediterranean geography during takeoff and the varied terrain across southern Europe during cruise outweighs the landing advantage. The Athens departure is particularly scenic, and the cruise phase over the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Alpine regions provides more consistent visual interest than the predominantly ocean-based right-side cruise.
Flown ATH to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to Los Angeles is 6,914 miles (11,127 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Mediterranean Sea with Greek islands visible during initial climb, Adriatic coastline and Balkan mountains during mid-cruise, Alps and their foothills during the European crossing, then the transition to the Atlantic and North American continent with the Appalachian Mountains visible during the western descent phase
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTLeft side captures the Saronic Gulf coastline, Attica peninsula, and the Aegean Sea during the northeasterly climb-out. Right side faces inland toward the Attica plains and mountains, offering less dramatic scenery during departure.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTRight side (north) provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the approach over the San Fernando Valley before turning toward LAX. Left side (south) faces the Pacific Ocean for most of the descent, offering limited landmark variety until the final approach over Long Beach and the harbor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to Los Angeles. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Aegean departure from Athens with visible coastline and islands, plus the scenic cruise phase over the Mediterranean and southern Europe. While LAX's approach offers mountain and basin views on the right, the left side's combination of Mediterranean geography during takeoff and the varied terrain across southern Europe during cruise outweighs the landing advantage. The Athens departure is particularly scenic, and the cruise phase over the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Alpine regions provides more consistent visual interest than the predominantly ocean-based right-side cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Saronic Gulf coastline, Attica peninsula, and the Aegean Sea during the northeasterly climb-out. Right side faces inland toward the Attica plains and mountains, offering less dramatic scenery during departure. Notable sights include: Saronic Gulf with its island-dotted waters, Attica coastline curving southeast, Mount Hymettus on the distant horizon.
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 (north) provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the approach over the San Fernando Valley before turning toward LAX. Left side (south) faces the Pacific Ocean for most of the descent, offering limited landmark variety until the final approach over Long Beach and the harbor. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains with their distinctive ridgelines, Los Angeles basin urban grid, San Fernando Valley, LAX airport complex with parallel runways visible.
How long is the flight from Athens to Los Angeles?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,914 miles (11,127 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Mediterranean Sea with Greek islands visible during initial climb, Adriatic coastline and Balkan mountains during mid-cruise, Alps and their foothills during the European crossing, then the transition to the Atlantic and North American continent with the Appalachian Mountains visible during the western descent phase