Sydney to Los Angeles is 7,503 miles (12,075 km), a flight of about 13 hours 35 minutes.
The right side wins both the Sydney departure, with its glimpse of the harbor and skyline, and the LAX arrival, with the San Gabriel Mountains and LA basin unfolding during descent. The left side offers mostly flat suburban terrain on departure and open ocean on arrival, with the long Pacific cruise being scenically neutral for both sides.
Flight Path
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no land visible for most of the flight; depending on the exact track, the plane may pass south of Hawaii or near French Polynesian waters, but no islands are reliably visible from cruising altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BWU
RIGHTDeparting Bankstown on runway 29, the aircraft climbs northwest before turning east toward the Pacific, giving right-side passengers a view over Sydney's northern suburbs toward the harbor and city skyline before the turn takes the coastline out of view. Left-side passengers mainly see the flatter southwestern Sydney basin and distant Blue Mountains foothills.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the typical west-flow approach into LAX, the aircraft descends over the Los Angeles basin before turning onto final over the South Bay. Right-side passengers get a broad view of the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA skyline receding behind, then the LA basin sprawl, before the plane lines up over the coastline. Left-side passengers see mostly open ocean and the Palos Verdes Peninsula with less variety.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Los Angeles. The right side wins both the Sydney departure, with its glimpse of the harbor and skyline, and the LAX arrival, with the San Gabriel Mountains and LA basin unfolding during descent. The left side offers mostly flat suburban terrain on departure and open ocean on arrival, with the long Pacific cruise being scenically neutral for both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
During takeoff from Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Bankstown on runway 29, the aircraft climbs northwest before turning east toward the Pacific, giving right-side passengers a view over Sydney's northern suburbs toward the harbor and city skyline before the turn takes the coastline out of view. Left-side passengers mainly see the flatter southwestern Sydney basin and distant Blue Mountains foothills. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge and CBD skyline (distant), Parramatta River, Blue Mountains foothills (fading behind).
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 typical west-flow approach into LAX, the aircraft descends over the Los Angeles basin before turning onto final over the South Bay. Right-side passengers get a broad view of the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA skyline receding behind, then the LA basin sprawl, before the plane lines up over the coastline. Left-side passengers see mostly open ocean and the Palos Verdes Peninsula with less variety. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Los Angeles basin sprawl, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Los Angeles?
The flight from Sydney Bankstown (BWU) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 13 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,503 miles (12,075 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route crosses thousands of miles of open Pacific Ocean with no land visible for most of the flight; depending on the exact track, the plane may pass south of Hawaii or near French Polynesian waters, but no islands are reliably visible from cruising altitude.