About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Don Miguel Y Hidalgo International (GDL) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guadalajara to Los Angeles. Right side wins both takeoff and landing. During the cruise portion heading northwest, the right side also tracks closer to the Baja California peninsula coastline and the Gulf of California as the route crosses northern Mexico, adding mid-flight interest over the Sea of Cortez geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Don Miguel Y Hidalgo International in Guadalajara?
During takeoff from Don Miguel Y Hidalgo International (GDL), sit on the Right side for the best views. GDL's primary departure runway is 28 (heading west-northwest). A right-side seat faces north, giving you a clear view of the Tequila Volcano (Volcán de Tequila) and the broad Jalisco highlands as you climb out. The left side faces south over the urban sprawl of Guadalajara with less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Volcán de Tequila (extinct cone northwest of the city), Lake Chapala (Mexico's largest lake, visible to the southeast on right turns), Guadalajara urban grid below, Sierra Madre Occidental foothills to the north.
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's most common arrival is from the east on runways 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft approaches from inland heading west. Right-side seats face north, giving views over the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles basin. Left-side seats face south over less distinctive suburban sprawl toward Long Beach. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains running east-west, San Fernando Valley floor to the north, downtown Los Angeles skyline to the east, Santa Monica Bay coastline as you cross the shore.
How long is the flight from Guadalajara to Los Angeles?
The flight from Don Miguel Y Hidalgo International (GDL) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Guadalajara to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental of Nayarit and Sinaloa, then tracks northwest over the Sonoran Desert and northern Baja California. The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) is visible to the right side at cruise altitude as a long narrow blue channel. The Colorado River delta and the Salton Sea may be visible depending on exact routing. The Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains appear on descent into Southern California.