The right side wins overall because the LAX approach over Santa Monica Bay with the LA coastline and Santa Monica Mountains is one of the more dramatic urban approaches in the US. The takeoff left-side advantage from Boise is real but the terrain is relatively flat desert, so the landing view edges it out for the full experience.
Flown BOI to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Boise to Los Angeles is 675 miles (1,086 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over the Great Basin, crossing the Nevada high desert with the broad flat valleys and parallel basin-and-range ridgelines typical of central Nevada. The Sierra Nevada appears to the right (west) as a long snow-capped wall if flying in winter or spring. Over eastern California the Mojave Desert dominates, with dry lake beds and the Tehachapi Mountains visible before the descent into the LA basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BOI
LEFTBoise typically departs southwest on runway 28L/28R, so the left (south) side gives you a clear view of the Snake River Plain and the Owyhee Mountains rising to the south. The right side faces north toward the Boise Foothills but quickly loses interest as you climb out over flat terrain.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX predominantly lands eastbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R, meaning the approach comes in from over the Pacific. The right (north) side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the sprawling Los Angeles basin laid out clearly. The left side faces south toward Inglewood and less scenic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Boise to Los Angeles. The right side wins overall because the LAX approach over Santa Monica Bay with the LA coastline and Santa Monica Mountains is one of the more dramatic urban approaches in the US. The takeoff left-side advantage from Boise is real but the terrain is relatively flat desert, so the landing view edges it out for the full experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
During takeoff from Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Boise typically departs southwest on runway 28L/28R, so the left (south) side gives you a clear view of the Snake River Plain and the Owyhee Mountains rising to the south. The right side faces north toward the Boise Foothills but quickly loses interest as you climb out over flat terrain. Notable sights include: Owyhee Mountains to the south, Snake River Plain stretching west, Lucky Peak Reservoir to the east visible during initial climb, Boise city grid below.
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 predominantly lands eastbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R, meaning the approach comes in from over the Pacific. The right (north) side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the sprawling Los Angeles basin laid out clearly. The left side faces south toward Inglewood and less scenic terrain. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay and coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles basin grid, Palos Verdes Peninsula visible to the south.
How long is the flight from Boise to Los Angeles?
The flight from Boise Air Terminal (BOI) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 675 miles (1,086 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Boise to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over the Great Basin, crossing the Nevada high desert with the broad flat valleys and parallel basin-and-range ridgelines typical of central Nevada. The Sierra Nevada appears to the right (west) as a long snow-capped wall if flying in winter or spring. Over eastern California the Mojave Desert dominates, with dry lake beds and the Tehachapi Mountains visible before the descent into the LA basin.