The right side delivers the strongest moments of the flight: the Austin skyline and Hill Country lakes on departure, glimpses of the Guadalupe Mountains and Tucson's Santa Catalina range during cruise, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the LA skyline on arrival. The left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive desert plains for most of the route.
Flight Path
Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, the Sonoran Desert around Tucson with the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Colorado River, and the Mojave Desert approaching the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains before descent into Los Angeles.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AUS
RIGHTDeparting AUS on runway 18 with the customary right turn toward the west puts downtown Austin and Lake Travis on the right side of the aircraft during climb-out. Left-side passengers mostly see flat farmland southeast of the city with no comparable landmark.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the westbound final approach into LAX, the right side faces north toward the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown Los Angeles skyline as the aircraft descends over the basin. The left side mostly shows flat South Bay suburbs and refineries with less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
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 delivers the strongest moments of the flight: the Austin skyline and Hill Country lakes on departure, glimpses of the Guadalupe Mountains and Tucson's Santa Catalina range during cruise, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the LA skyline on arrival. The left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive desert plains for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing AUS on runway 18 with the customary right turn toward the west puts downtown Austin and Lake Travis on the right side of the aircraft during climb-out. Left-side passengers mostly see flat farmland southeast of the city with no comparable landmark. Notable sights include: Downtown Austin skyline, Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis, Texas Hill Country.
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. On the westbound final approach into LAX, the right side faces north toward the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown Los Angeles skyline as the aircraft descends over the basin. The left side mostly shows flat South Bay suburbs and refineries with less visual interest. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay.
How long is the flight from Austin to Los Angeles?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 3h 25m.
What does the Austin to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Guadalupe Mountains near the Texas-New Mexico border, the Sonoran Desert around Tucson with the Santa Catalina Mountains, the Colorado River, and the Mojave Desert approaching the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains before descent into Los Angeles.