About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Los Angeles. The LAX arrival on the right side delivers a genuinely dramatic and clear view of the Santa Monica Mountains against the vast LA Basin, which is more visually rewarding than the Helsinki departure views. Over the polar routing the right side also faces south toward Greenland's ice sheet during the high-latitude portion of the flight, offering additional interest mid-flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Helsinki Vantaa's primary departure runway 22L sends aircraft southwest over the Helsinki metropolitan area. The left side faces southeast, giving views over the city center, the Helsinki archipelago, and the Gulf of Finland as the aircraft banks westward toward its transatlantic routing. Right side faces inland toward unremarkable suburban forest. Notable sights include: Helsinki city center and Senate Square district, Helsinki archipelago island chains, Gulf of Finland coastline, Espoo suburban waterways.
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, approaching from the east over the Los Angeles Basin. The right side faces north, giving clear views of the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the urban grid of the LA Basin on approach. Left side looks south toward the Pacific Ocean and less distinctive coastal terrain. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains ridge, San Fernando Valley urban grid, Los Angeles Basin city sprawl, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Los Angeles?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours depending on winds and routing.
What does the Helsinki to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The great circle route from Helsinki to LAX arcs over northern Scandinavia, crosses the Norwegian Sea, passes over or near southern Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, transits the Canadian Arctic including Baffin Island and Hudson Bay region, crosses central Canada over the boreal forest of Ontario and Manitoba, then descends over the western United States crossing the Rocky Mountains of Montana or Idaho before reaching California