Right-side seats capture the more dramatic scenery at both ends: Bora Bora's volcanic peaks and reef system on departure, and while the landing favors left, the takeoff view is more visually distinctive and memorable. The flight path itself crosses open Pacific with minimal notable landmarks between the two airports.
Flown BOB to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bora Bora to Los Angeles is 4,115 miles (6,623 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant land features. You'll pass south of the Hawaiian Islands (typically 200+ miles south of the Big Island), so they remain below the horizon. The ocean itself shows typical deep-blue coloring with occasional cloud formations. No atolls or islands are visible along the direct great-circle route between Bora Bora and Los Angeles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOB
RIGHTBora Bora typically departs runway 30 (northwesterly). Right-side seats face toward the lagoon's western and northern edges, giving you the best view of the atoll's distinctive barrier reef system and the dramatic volcanic peaks as you climb out over the open ocean.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLAX typically lands on runways 24L/R (westerly approach). Left-side seats during descent provide views of the Los Angeles basin, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, and the Pacific coastline including Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach before final approach over the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bora Bora (BOB) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bora Bora to Los Angeles. Right-side seats capture the more dramatic scenery at both ends: Bora Bora's volcanic peaks and reef system on departure, and while the landing favors left, the takeoff view is more visually distinctive and memorable. The flight path itself crosses open Pacific with minimal notable landmarks between the two airports.
What can I see during takeoff from Bora Bora in Bora Bora?
During takeoff from Bora Bora (BOB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Bora Bora typically departs runway 30 (northwesterly). Right-side seats face toward the lagoon's western and northern edges, giving you the best view of the atoll's distinctive barrier reef system and the dramatic volcanic peaks as you climb out over the open ocean. Notable sights include: Bora Bora's central volcanic peaks (Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia), the turquoise lagoon enclosed by the barrier reef, the outer reef's white-water breaker line, and the smaller motu (islets) dotting the reef perimeter.
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. LAX typically lands on runways 24L/R (westerly approach). Left-side seats during descent provide views of the Los Angeles basin, the Santa Monica Mountains to the north, and the Pacific coastline including Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach before final approach over the airport. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains (northern skyline), the Los Angeles basin sprawl, the Pacific coastline with Santa Monica Pier visible on clear days, and Long Beach harbor with container ships.
How long is the flight from Bora Bora to Los Angeles?
The flight from Bora Bora (BOB) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,115 miles (6,623 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bora Bora to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant land features. You'll pass south of the Hawaiian Islands (typically 200+ miles south of the Big Island), so they remain below the horizon. The ocean itself shows typical deep-blue coloring with occasional cloud formations. No atolls or islands are visible along the direct great-circle route between Bora Bora and Los Angeles.