While takeoff offers brief Scottish coastal views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Santa Monica Mountains, the vast Los Angeles basin, and harbor infrastructure create a more visually engaging finale than the brief Scottish departure.
Flown EDI to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edinburgh to Los Angeles is 5,152 miles (8,292 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no visible landmarks from altitude. Over Greenland's southern coast (if visible during daylight), glaciers and fjords may appear. The Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Canadian terrain show sparse vegetation and water bodies. Crossing into the continental US, the Rocky Mountains become visible—the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta-British Columbia border, then the US Rockies spanning Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. The Great Basin and Sierra Nevada appear before descent into California.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Firth of Forth and the Scottish coastline immediately after departure. Edinburgh Airport sits south of the firth, so climbing out northwestward on typical departure routes gives left-seat passengers views of the water, coastal settlements, and the Pentland Hills to the south.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTRight side provides the best views during approach to LAX. Aircraft typically descend over the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles, then turn inland over the coastal plain. Right-seat passengers see the Santa Monica Mountains, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and Long Beach harbor as the aircraft descends toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to Los Angeles. While takeoff offers brief Scottish coastal views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Santa Monica Mountains, the vast Los Angeles basin, and harbor infrastructure create a more visually engaging finale than the brief Scottish departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Firth of Forth and the Scottish coastline immediately after departure. Edinburgh Airport sits south of the firth, so climbing out northwestward on typical departure routes gives left-seat passengers views of the water, coastal settlements, and the Pentland Hills to the south. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Pentland Hills, Forth Road Bridge, Scottish Central Belt urban sprawl.
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. Right side provides the best views during approach to LAX. Aircraft typically descend over the Pacific Ocean west of Los Angeles, then turn inland over the coastal plain. Right-seat passengers see the Santa Monica Mountains, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and Long Beach harbor as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles urban basin, Long Beach harbor, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to Los Angeles?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,152 miles (8,292 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edinburgh to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 6-7 hours with no visible landmarks from altitude. Over Greenland's southern coast (if visible during daylight), glaciers and fjords may appear. The Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Canadian terrain show sparse vegetation and water bodies. Crossing into the continental US, the Rocky Mountains become visible—the Canadian Rockies near the Alberta-British Columbia border, then the US Rockies spanning Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. The Great Basin and Sierra Nevada appear before descent into California.