About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Los Angeles. The right side wins overall because the LAX approach on the right delivers the most sustained and varied scenery — the Mojave Desert, then the dramatic drop into the LA Basin with the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown skyline. The left side at takeoff is excellent for DC views but the right side compensates with good Appalachian views early in the flight and then the superior LA arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Washington Dulles International in Washington?
During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. IAD typically departs westbound on runways 01L/01R or eastbound on 19L/19R. On a westbound departure toward LAX, aircraft climb out heading west then southwest, and the left side faces south toward Washington DC. You get a clear view of the Potomac River, the DC skyline including the Capitol and monuments, and the Virginia suburbs spreading out below. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Washington DC Mall and monuments, Tysons Corner urban cluster, Blue Ridge Mountains on the distant horizon.
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 uses runways 24L/24R for westbound landings, with aircraft approaching from the east over the Los Angeles Basin. The right side faces north and gives you the Santa Monica Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the full sweep of the LA Basin with downtown visible to the northeast. Left side faces south toward the ocean and South Bay, which is scenic but less varied. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Washington to Los Angeles?
The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes westbound.
What does the Washington to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains over West Virginia and Kentucky, then the flat agricultural plains of Missouri and Kansas, the high plains of eastern Colorado, the Rockies visible to the north, the Mojave Desert and its dry lake beds over California including Rogers Dry Lake near Edwards Air Force Base, before descending into the Los Angeles Basin