Right side wins both takeoff and landing with the best urban and mountain views. During the cruise portion heading west, the right side also gives you better views of the Mississippi River crossing, Texas Hill Country, and the Guadalupe Mountains as the flight tracks across the southern US.
Flown BHM to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Los Angeles is 1,812 miles (2,915 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
Mississippi River crossing near Jackson MS, Louisiana and Texas lowlands, Dallas-Fort Worth metro visible to the north, Pecos River valley, Guadalupe Mountains and El Paso area, New Mexico desert basin and range terrain, Arizona Sonoran Desert, Colorado River crossing near Blythe, San Bernardino Mountains and Inland Empire on descent into LA
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHM
RIGHTBHM's primary departure runway 06/24 means westbound flights typically depart heading west or southwest. A right-side seat gives you a view south over the city of Birmingham, Red Mountain, and the southern Appalachian foothills as you climb out. You'll see the urban grid of downtown Birmingham and the ridgelines of the Alabama Valley and Ridge province clearly.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX's primary arrival runways for westbound traffic are 24L and 24R, meaning aircraft approach from the east heading west. A right-side seat on this approach gives you a clear view north over the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles Basin. You'll see the grid of the LA metro, the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific coastline ahead as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham International (BHM) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Los Angeles. Right side wins both takeoff and landing with the best urban and mountain views. During the cruise portion heading west, the right side also gives you better views of the Mississippi River crossing, Texas Hill Country, and the Guadalupe Mountains as the flight tracks across the southern US.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham International in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. BHM's primary departure runway 06/24 means westbound flights typically depart heading west or southwest. A right-side seat gives you a view south over the city of Birmingham, Red Mountain, and the southern Appalachian foothills as you climb out. You'll see the urban grid of downtown Birmingham and the ridgelines of the Alabama Valley and Ridge province clearly. Notable sights include: Downtown Birmingham skyline, Red Mountain ridge, Shades Mountain, Cahaba River valley.
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's primary arrival runways for westbound traffic are 24L and 24R, meaning aircraft approach from the east heading west. A right-side seat on this approach gives you a clear view north over the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles Basin. You'll see the grid of the LA metro, the Hollywood Hills, and the Pacific coastline ahead as you descend. Notable sights include: San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, Pacific Ocean coastline at Santa Monica.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Los Angeles?
The flight from Birmingham International (BHM) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,812 miles (2,915 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Mississippi River crossing near Jackson MS, Louisiana and Texas lowlands, Dallas-Fort Worth metro visible to the north, Pecos River valley, Guadalupe Mountains and El Paso area, New Mexico desert basin and range terrain, Arizona Sonoran Desert, Colorado River crossing near Blythe, San Bernardino Mountains and Inland Empire on descent into LA