The right side offers the best combination of cruise-phase Rocky Mountain scenery over Colorado and a dramatic final approach past the San Gabriel Mountains into LAX, while the left side spends more time over featureless plains and open ocean glare.
Flown CMH to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Columbus to Los Angeles is 1,991 miles (3,204 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Kansas plains, the Colorado Rockies near the Front Range, and the high desert plateaus of Utah and Nevada along the flight path
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMH
RIGHTColumbus departures climb out over flat Ohio farmland regardless of side, so neither view is dramatic at first, but the right side gives a slightly better preview of the Midwest's river valleys and grid-pattern farmland as the plane turns westward.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the standard west-flow arrival into LAX, the descent path comes in from the east over the San Gabriel Valley, putting the steep San Gabriel Mountains and the Hollywood Hills prominently on the right side just before the final turn toward the runways.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Columbus to Los Angeles. The right side offers the best combination of cruise-phase Rocky Mountain scenery over Colorado and a dramatic final approach past the San Gabriel Mountains into LAX, while the left side spends more time over featureless plains and open ocean glare.
What can I see during takeoff from Port Columbus International in Columbus?
During takeoff from Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Columbus departures climb out over flat Ohio farmland regardless of side, so neither view is dramatic at first, but the right side gives a slightly better preview of the Midwest's river valleys and grid-pattern farmland as the plane turns westward. Notable sights include: Scioto River, Columbus suburbs, patchwork Ohio farmland.
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 standard west-flow arrival into LAX, the descent path comes in from the east over the San Gabriel Valley, putting the steep San Gabriel Mountains and the Hollywood Hills prominently on the right side just before the final turn toward the runways. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood Hills, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Griffith Observatory area.
How long is the flight from Columbus to Los Angeles?
The flight from Port Columbus International (CMH) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,991 miles (3,204 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Columbus to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Kansas plains, the Colorado Rockies near the Front Range, and the high desert plateaus of Utah and Nevada along the flight path