While takeoff on the right offers Caribbean views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains, extensive Los Angeles basin, and Pacific coastline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown AUA to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Oranjestad to Los Angeles is 3,372 miles (5,427 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico, passing south of the Yucatan Peninsula and over central Mexico. Notable features include the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range visible from altitude in northern Mexico, and the transition from Caribbean waters to the Gulf of Mexico. The Baja California Peninsula becomes visible as you approach the Pacific coast, with the Colorado River delta visible in the far northern Gulf of California before the final approach into Southern California.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUA
RIGHTRight side seats offer views of Aruba's northern coastline and the Caribbean Sea immediately after departure. The island's distinctive shape and turquoise waters are visible during the initial climb-out, with the Andes Mountains of South America (Venezuela/Colombia) appearing on the distant horizon to the south.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft side seats provide excellent views during the descent into LAX. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the Pacific coastline including Santa Monica Bay and Long Beach. The approach path typically brings these features into clear view on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reina Beatrix International (AUA) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Oranjestad to Los Angeles. While takeoff on the right offers Caribbean views, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains, extensive Los Angeles basin, and Pacific coastline. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Reina Beatrix International in Oranjestad?
During takeoff from Reina Beatrix International (AUA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side seats offer views of Aruba's northern coastline and the Caribbean Sea immediately after departure. The island's distinctive shape and turquoise waters are visible during the initial climb-out, with the Andes Mountains of South America (Venezuela/Colombia) appearing on the distant horizon to the south. Notable sights include: Caribbean Sea, Aruba's northern coast and beaches, Venezuelan Andes (distant southern horizon), Lake Maracaibo region (far south).
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats provide excellent views during the descent into LAX. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the Pacific coastline including Santa Monica Bay and Long Beach. The approach path typically brings these features into clear view on the left side. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Santa Monica Bay, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Oranjestad to Los Angeles?
The flight from Reina Beatrix International (AUA) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,372 miles (5,427 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Oranjestad to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico, passing south of the Yucatan Peninsula and over central Mexico. Notable features include the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range visible from altitude in northern Mexico, and the transition from Caribbean waters to the Gulf of Mexico. The Baja California Peninsula becomes visible as you approach the Pacific coast, with the Colorado River delta visible in the far northern Gulf of California before the final approach into Southern California.