Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Los Angeles. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains and Pacific Ocean views. The left side captures the dramatic geography defining the Los Angeles region.

During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out westbound from Des Moines, the right side offers views of the Des Moines River valley and the broader Iowa landscape. The left side faces back toward the city and eastern terrain with less dramatic relief. Notable sights include: Des Moines River valley, Iowa farmland grid pattern, Ledges State Park area to the north.

When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach to LAX from the east, the left side provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin topography. The right side faces toward Long Beach and industrial areas with less scenic value. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin sprawl, Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Monica Mountains to the north.

The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Colorado Plateau region of Arizona and Utah. Notable features include the Kaibab Plateau area north of the Grand Canyon (visible but typically not directly on route), the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest region of northeastern Arizona, and the transition into the Basin and Range topography of southern Nevada. The Mojave Desert dominates the final 200 miles before descent into the Los Angeles basin. Clear day visibility can reveal the Colorado River canyon system and the dramatic color contrasts of Arizona's high desert terrain.