About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Aurora (GUA) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guatemala City to Los Angeles. Right side wins both the departure and arrival, making it the clear choice for the full flight. The volcanic highlands of Guatemala on departure and the Los Angeles Basin geography on arrival are both on the right. During cruise over Mexico, the right side also tracks closer to the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Baja California peninsula coastline.
What can I see during takeoff from La Aurora in Guatemala City?
During takeoff from La Aurora (GUA), sit on the Right side for the best views. La Aurora's primary runway 01/19 means northbound departures climb out heading north, putting the volcanic chain of Guatemala's Central Highlands on the right (east) side. You get a direct view of Volcán de Agua, Volcán Acatenango, and Volcán de Fuego rising above the valley as the aircraft climbs out of the Guatemala City basin. Notable sights include: Volcán de Agua (3,760m), Volcán Acatenango (3,976m), Volcán de Fuego (3,763m, often with visible plume), Lake Amatitlán directly below during initial climb.
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 primary arrival configuration uses runways 24L/24R, meaning aircraft approach from the east over the Los Angeles Basin heading west. Sitting on the right (north) side gives you the San Gabriel Mountains, the downtown LA skyline, Hollywood Hills, and the Santa Monica Bay coastline as you descend over the city. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (including Mount San Antonio/Baldy at 10,064 ft), downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory area, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Guatemala City to Los Angeles?
The flight from La Aurora (GUA) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Guatemala City to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Yucatán Peninsula and Gulf of Mexico coast, then across central Mexico over the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range, over the Sonoran Desert into California. The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) and the long narrow spine of the Baja California Peninsula are visible from the right side during cruise. The Mojave Desert and San Bernardino Mountains appear on descent into Southern California.