Both the Kuala Lumpur departure and the Los Angeles arrival favor the right side with city skylines and mountain terrain, while the left side is dominated by featureless plantation land and open ocean during the same phases. With roughly 14 hours of open Pacific in between contributing little to either side, the modest edge from takeoff and landing scenery gives the right side the overall win.
Flight Path
Extended cruise over the open Pacific Ocean, passing north of the Philippines and south of Japan before crossing the International Date Line, with no land visible for most of the transit
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KUL
RIGHTDeparting KUL toward the northwest or southeast, the right side gives a good look back at Kuala Lumpur's skyline including the Petronas Towers, with the forested Titiwangsa Range visible on the horizon before the aircraft turns out over the South China Sea. The left side mostly shows flat palm oil plantations and haze toward the Strait of Malacca.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the typical west-flow approach into LAX, arrivals descend down the coast before turning final, giving right-side passengers views of the Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles basin skyline. The left side mostly faces open ocean and the South Bay coastline with less variety.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles. Both the Kuala Lumpur departure and the Los Angeles arrival favor the right side with city skylines and mountain terrain, while the left side is dominated by featureless plantation land and open ocean during the same phases. With roughly 14 hours of open Pacific in between contributing little to either side, the modest edge from takeoff and landing scenery gives the right side the overall win.
What can I see during takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
During takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing KUL toward the northwest or southeast, the right side gives a good look back at Kuala Lumpur's skyline including the Petronas Towers, with the forested Titiwangsa Range visible on the horizon before the aircraft turns out over the South China Sea. The left side mostly shows flat palm oil plantations and haze toward the Strait of Malacca. Notable sights include: Kuala Lumpur skyline and Petronas Towers, Titiwangsa Range foothills, South China Sea coastline.
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 typical west-flow approach into LAX, arrivals descend down the coast before turning final, giving right-side passengers views of the Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles basin skyline. The left side mostly faces open ocean and the South Bay coastline with less variety. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles?
The flight from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 15h 35m.
What does the Kuala Lumpur to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Extended cruise over the open Pacific Ocean, passing north of the Philippines and south of Japan before crossing the International Date Line, with no land visible for most of the transit