Right side captures the dramatic Charleston departure over the Atlantic coast and barrier islands, which outweighs the left-side advantage on landing. The takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive than the landing approach.
Flown CHS to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Charleston to Los Angeles is 2,201 miles (3,542 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Gulf of Mexico and southern United States. Notable features include the Mississippi River delta (visible as a brown sediment plume in the Gulf), the Texas coastline near Galveston, and the New Mexico desert plateau with sparse vegetation. The Rocky Mountains are too far north of the typical direct routing to be visible. Most of the midpoint flight crosses open ocean and featureless desert with minimal landmarks.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CHS
RIGHTCharleston AFB typically departs eastbound over the Atlantic, so right-side seats face the coast and open ocean. Left seats see inland swamps and forests with minimal visual interest.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLAX typically lands westbound, so left seats face the Pacific Ocean and coastal Los Angeles. Right seats see inland urban sprawl and mountains with less dramatic scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charleston to Los Angeles. Right side captures the dramatic Charleston departure over the Atlantic coast and barrier islands, which outweighs the left-side advantage on landing. The takeoff scenery is more visually distinctive than the landing approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Charleston Afb International in Charleston?
During takeoff from Charleston Afb International (CHS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Charleston AFB typically departs eastbound over the Atlantic, so right-side seats face the coast and open ocean. Left seats see inland swamps and forests with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Charleston Harbor, Folly Beach barrier island, Santee River delta.
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 westbound, so left seats face the Pacific Ocean and coastal Los Angeles. Right seats see inland urban sprawl and mountains with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Bay, Los Angeles basin urban grid, San Gabriel Mountains.
How long is the flight from Charleston to Los Angeles?
The flight from Charleston Afb International (CHS) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,201 miles (3,542 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Charleston to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Gulf of Mexico and southern United States. Notable features include the Mississippi River delta (visible as a brown sediment plume in the Gulf), the Texas coastline near Galveston, and the New Mexico desert plateau with sparse vegetation. The Rocky Mountains are too far north of the typical direct routing to be visible. Most of the midpoint flight crosses open ocean and featureless desert with minimal landmarks.