The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight: a clear view of Denali and the Alaska Range during climb-out from Fairbanks, which is genuinely one of the most spectacular aerial views in North America. The right side wins at landing, but the Denali view tips the overall balance to the left.
Flown FAI to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fairbanks to Los Angeles is 2,462 miles (3,963 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks south-southeast through central Alaska over the Alaska Range, then crosses the Gulf of Alaska coastline near Anchorage or Cordova. It then follows the Pacific Coast corridor over British Columbia and the Coast Mountains, passes over the Cascade Range including Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta on the left side, crosses the Central Valley of California, and descends over the Tehachapi Mountains into the Los Angeles Basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from FAI
LEFTFairbanks typically departs runway 2L/2R heading roughly northeast, then turns south. The left side picks up the Alaska Range including Denali to the southwest as the aircraft banks and climbs out. The Tanana River valley and the broad boreal flats around Fairbanks are also clearly visible on the left during the initial climb.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX arrivals from the north typically use runways 24L/24R heading west, or 06L/06R heading east depending on wind. On the common westward approach over the LA Basin, the right side faces north and gives a sweeping view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the downtown LA skyline. The left side faces the Pacific Ocean which is less visually complex.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fairbanks International (FAI) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fairbanks to Los Angeles. The left side delivers the most dramatic single moment of the flight: a clear view of Denali and the Alaska Range during climb-out from Fairbanks, which is genuinely one of the most spectacular aerial views in North America. The right side wins at landing, but the Denali view tips the overall balance to the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Fairbanks International in Fairbanks?
During takeoff from Fairbanks International (FAI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Fairbanks typically departs runway 2L/2R heading roughly northeast, then turns south. The left side picks up the Alaska Range including Denali to the southwest as the aircraft banks and climbs out. The Tanana River valley and the broad boreal flats around Fairbanks are also clearly visible on the left during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Denali (visible as a dominant white massif to the southwest), Alaska Range arc, Tanana River valley, Chena River winding through Fairbanks below.
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. LAX arrivals from the north typically use runways 24L/24R heading west, or 06L/06R heading east depending on wind. On the common westward approach over the LA Basin, the right side faces north and gives a sweeping view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the downtown LA skyline. The left side faces the Pacific Ocean which is less visually complex. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley sprawl, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Fairbanks to Los Angeles?
The flight from Fairbanks International (FAI) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,462 miles (3,963 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fairbanks to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southeast through central Alaska over the Alaska Range, then crosses the Gulf of Alaska coastline near Anchorage or Cordova. It then follows the Pacific Coast corridor over British Columbia and the Coast Mountains, passes over the Cascade Range including Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta on the left side, crosses the Central Valley of California, and descends over the Tehachapi Mountains into the Los Angeles Basin.