The right side wins overall because it carries the more dramatic and consistent scenery through the flight: snow-streaked peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Salt Lake basin during cruise, followed by a striking descent past the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles skyline, outweighing the left side's brief DC glimpse and desert Southwest views.
Flight Path
Eastern Colorado plains giving way to the Front Range and Rocky Mountains, with the route continuing over the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin toward Nevada
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAD
LEFTIAD departures typically climb out to the south or turn that direction before heading west, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable view of the Washington DC skyline and the Potomac River winding through the green Virginia countryside before the aircraft settles onto its westbound track.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the descent into LAX from the east, right-side passengers get a strong sequence of the San Gabriel Mountains sliding by to the north, followed by the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the grid of the San Fernando Valley, before the final turn toward the coast.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
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 it carries the more dramatic and consistent scenery through the flight: snow-streaked peaks of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Salt Lake basin during cruise, followed by a striking descent past the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles skyline, outweighing the left side's brief DC glimpse and desert Southwest views.
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 departures typically climb out to the south or turn that direction before heading west, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable view of the Washington DC skyline and the Potomac River winding through the green Virginia countryside before the aircraft settles onto its westbound track. Notable sights include: Washington DC skyline (Capitol dome, Washington Monument), Potomac River, Virginia Piedmont farmland.
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 the descent into LAX from the east, right-side passengers get a strong sequence of the San Gabriel Mountains sliding by to the north, followed by the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the grid of the San Fernando Valley, before the final turn toward the coast. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Fernando Valley, 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 5h 45m.
What does the Washington to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Eastern Colorado plains giving way to the Front Range and Rocky Mountains, with the route continuing over the Colorado Plateau and Great Basin toward Nevada