The right side offers the more dramatic and varied experience — front-range Rockies terrain near Denver, the Sierra Nevada in the distance during cruise, and a striking San Gabriel Mountains backdrop on final approach into LAX, compared to the flatter, less distinctive southern views.
Flown DSM to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Des Moines to Los Angeles is 1,444 miles (2,324 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Rocky Mountain Front Range near Denver, high plains of eastern Colorado, Colorado Plateau canyonlands, and the Mojave Desert before descending into the Los Angeles basin
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSM
RIGHTDeparting DSM to the southwest, the right (north) side offers views of the rolling Iowa farmland fading into the Great Plains, setting up for the mountainous terrain ahead, while the left side just shows flat cropland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn approach to LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the right (north) side reveals the San Gabriel Mountains rising sharply behind the San Gabriel Valley, followed by the dense LA basin skyline before touchdown, while the left side mostly shows flatter suburban sprawl with less topographic drama.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Des Moines International (DSM) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles. The right side offers the more dramatic and varied experience — front-range Rockies terrain near Denver, the Sierra Nevada in the distance during cruise, and a striking San Gabriel Mountains backdrop on final approach into LAX, compared to the flatter, less distinctive southern views.
What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?
During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DSM to the southwest, the right (north) side offers views of the rolling Iowa farmland fading into the Great Plains, setting up for the mountainous terrain ahead, while the left side just shows flat cropland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Des Moines River, checkerboard farmland, Iowa prairie horizon.
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 approach to LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the right (north) side reveals the San Gabriel Mountains rising sharply behind the San Gabriel Valley, followed by the dense LA basin skyline before touchdown, while the left side mostly shows flatter suburban sprawl with less topographic drama. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Gabriel Valley, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Bay.
How long is the flight from Des Moines to Los Angeles?
The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,444 miles (2,324 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Des Moines to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain Front Range near Denver, high plains of eastern Colorado, Colorado Plateau canyonlands, and the Mojave Desert before descending into the Los Angeles basin