While the HKG departure favors the left side, the long Pacific crossing brushes past the Aleutian and British Columbia coastlines visible from the north-facing right side, and the LAX arrival delivers strong mountain and city views on that same side, giving it the edge overall.
Flight Path
North Pacific open ocean, with the flight path passing south of the Aleutian Islands and along the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia coastline before descending into California
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTDeparting HKG, the initial climb and turn typically bank the aircraft over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Victoria Harbour and the dense skyscraper skyline before the plane heads out over the Pearl River Delta.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn approach into LAX from the north, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA basin before turning toward the coast, giving right-side passengers views of the mountains, downtown LA, and the Pacific shoreline as the plane lines up for a westward landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Los Angeles. While the HKG departure favors the left side, the long Pacific crossing brushes past the Aleutian and British Columbia coastlines visible from the north-facing right side, and the LAX arrival delivers strong mountain and city views on that same side, giving it the edge overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HKG, the initial climb and turn typically bank the aircraft over Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Victoria Harbour and the dense skyscraper skyline before the plane heads out over the Pearl River Delta. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Lantau 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. On approach into LAX from the north, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA basin before turning toward the coast, giving right-side passengers views of the mountains, downtown LA, and the Pacific shoreline as the plane lines up for a westward landing. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Bay coastline, Griffith Park hills.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 13h 05m.
What does the Hong Kong to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
North Pacific open ocean, with the flight path passing south of the Aleutian Islands and along the Gulf of Alaska and British Columbia coastline before descending into California