Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During cruise over the Sonoran Desert and into Southern California, the right side also faces north, giving better views of the Tucson Basin, Phoenix metro area if routing permits, and the San Bernardino Mountains on descent. Left side is mostly featureless desert scrub and the US-Mexico border region.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, then the Chihuahuan Desert of far west Texas near the Davis Mountains, El Paso and the Rio Grande, southern New Mexico desert, the Sonoran Desert of Arizona with the Phoenix metro area often visible to the north, the Colorado River crossing near Blythe, and the Coachella Valley and San Bernardino Mountains on approach into Southern California.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HOU
RIGHTHobby typically departs westbound on runway 22, so the right side faces north toward downtown Houston. You get a clear view of the Houston skyline, the Ship Channel, and the sprawling urban grid as you climb out. The left side faces south toward open suburban sprawl and Galveston Bay at a less favorable angle.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX primarily lands eastbound on runways 24L/24R, meaning the approach comes in from over the Pacific. The right side faces north, giving you a direct view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Los Angeles Basin grid, and the Hollywood Hills. The left side looks south over the South Bay and less distinctive suburban areas.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from William P Hobby (HOU) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Los Angeles. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During cruise over the Sonoran Desert and into Southern California, the right side also faces north, giving better views of the Tucson Basin, Phoenix metro area if routing permits, and the San Bernardino Mountains on descent. Left side is mostly featureless desert scrub and the US-Mexico border region.
What can I see during takeoff from William P Hobby in Houston?
During takeoff from William P Hobby (HOU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Hobby typically departs westbound on runway 22, so the right side faces north toward downtown Houston. You get a clear view of the Houston skyline, the Ship Channel, and the sprawling urban grid as you climb out. The left side faces south toward open suburban sprawl and Galveston Bay at a less favorable angle. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, Clear Lake / NASA Johnson Space Center area, Galveston Bay in the distance.
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 lands eastbound on runways 24L/24R, meaning the approach comes in from over the Pacific. The right side faces north, giving you a direct view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Los Angeles Basin grid, and the Hollywood Hills. The left side looks south over the South Bay and less distinctive suburban areas. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Houston to Los Angeles?
The flight from William P Hobby (HOU) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Houston to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio, then the Chihuahuan Desert of far west Texas near the Davis Mountains, El Paso and the Rio Grande, southern New Mexico desert, the Sonoran Desert of Arizona with the Phoenix metro area often visible to the north, the Colorado River crossing near Blythe, and the Coachella Valley and San Bernardino Mountains on approach into Southern California.