About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Los Angeles. The right side wins overall. While left is better at takeoff for the Austin cityscape, the right side during the LAX approach delivers the most dramatic and sustained scenery — the San Gabriel Mountains, the full LA Basin, and Santa Monica Bay simultaneously. Mid-flight over West Texas and the Sonoran Desert, the right (north) side also offers slightly better views of the Guadalupe Mountains and New Mexico terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Austin Bergstrom primarily uses runway 17L/35R. Departing westbound toward LAX, aircraft typically take off heading northwest. The left (south) side gives you a clear view back over downtown Austin and the Colorado River as you climb out, while the right side faces north toward open suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Colorado River/Lady Bird Lake, Texas Hill Country rolling terrain to the west, Barton Creek greenbelt.
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 primarily lands on the north complex runways (24L/24R) or south complex (25L/25R) heading west toward the Pacific. On approach from the east, the right (north) side gives you the San Gabriel Mountains, the LA Basin grid, and the coastline as you descend, while the left side faces south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Santa Monica Bay, downtown Los Angeles skyline.
How long is the flight from Austin to Los Angeles?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Austin to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Permian Basin of West Texas, the Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border (highest point in Texas at 8,751 ft), the Chihuahuan Desert, southern New Mexico desert basins, the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, and the Colorado River near Blythe before entering the LA Basin over the San Bernardino Valley.