Right side wins both the departure over Hakata Bay and the arrival over the Los Angeles Basin with downtown and the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the Pacific the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the departure and arrival phases determine the winner.
Flown FUK to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fukuoka to Los Angeles is 5,982 miles (9,627 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route from Fukuoka to LAX tracks northeast across the Sea of Japan, passes over or near the Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka Peninsula, then arcs across the North Pacific Ocean at high latitudes near the Aleutian Island chain. The midpoint is deep open ocean south of the Aleutians. On clear days the volcanic peaks of Kamchatka and individual Aleutian islands such as Unimak or the Shumagin Islands may be briefly visible as distant landmasses before the long featureless ocean crossing toward the California coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from FUK
RIGHTFukuoka Airport's primary departure runway 16 sends aircraft southeast over Hakata Bay before turning northeast. Right-side seats get clear views of Hakata Bay, the Fukuoka city waterfront, and the Genkai Sea. Left side faces inland toward suburban sprawl.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX primarily uses runways 24L/24R for westward landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Los Angeles Basin. Right-side seats face north and get views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, downtown LA skyline, and the San Fernando Valley. Left side looks south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl and the South Bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Fukuoka (FUK) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fukuoka to Los Angeles. Right side wins both the departure over Hakata Bay and the arrival over the Los Angeles Basin with downtown and the Santa Monica Mountains. Over the Pacific the views are largely ocean on both sides, so the departure and arrival phases determine the winner.
What can I see during takeoff from Fukuoka in Fukuoka?
During takeoff from Fukuoka (FUK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Fukuoka Airport's primary departure runway 16 sends aircraft southeast over Hakata Bay before turning northeast. Right-side seats get clear views of Hakata Bay, the Fukuoka city waterfront, and the Genkai Sea. Left side faces inland toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Hakata Bay, Fukuoka city waterfront and port, Genkai Sea, Shikanoshima island.
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 primarily uses runways 24L/24R for westward landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Los Angeles Basin. Right-side seats face north and get views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, downtown LA skyline, and the San Fernando Valley. Left side looks south toward less distinctive suburban sprawl and the South Bay. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Fukuoka to Los Angeles?
The flight from Fukuoka (FUK) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,982 miles (9,627 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fukuoka to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Fukuoka to LAX tracks northeast across the Sea of Japan, passes over or near the Kuril Islands and the Kamchatka Peninsula, then arcs across the North Pacific Ocean at high latitudes near the Aleutian Island chain. The midpoint is deep open ocean south of the Aleutians. On clear days the volcanic peaks of Kamchatka and individual Aleutian islands such as Unimak or the Shumagin Islands may be briefly visible as distant landmasses before the long featureless ocean crossing toward the California coast.