While the right side offers a strong desert mountain departure, the left side's coastal arrival into Long Beach — with the harbor, Palos Verdes cliffs, and Catalina Island — provides a more memorable and visually varied finish to the flight.
Flown LAS to LGB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Las Vegas to Long Beach is 231 miles (372 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino/San Gabriel foothills near Cajon Pass before descending into the Los Angeles basin toward the coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAS
RIGHTDeparting LAS southbound before turning southwest toward LA, the right side faces the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon's red sandstone cliffs, giving a striking contrast to the desert valley floor. The left side mostly shows flat basin and distant Lake Mead haze, less distinct at this stage.
Landing at LGB
LEFTOn approach to LGB from the southeast, the left side overlooks the Pacific coastline, Long Beach Harbor's container cranes, and on clear days Catalina Island offshore — a dramatic urban-coastal finale. The right side mainly shows the flatter inland LA basin suburbs with less visual variety.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Long Beach (LGB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Las Vegas to Long Beach. While the right side offers a strong desert mountain departure, the left side's coastal arrival into Long Beach — with the harbor, Palos Verdes cliffs, and Catalina Island — provides a more memorable and visually varied finish to the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Mc Carran International in Las Vegas?
During takeoff from Mc Carran International (LAS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LAS southbound before turning southwest toward LA, the right side faces the Spring Mountains and Red Rock Canyon's red sandstone cliffs, giving a striking contrast to the desert valley floor. The left side mostly shows flat basin and distant Lake Mead haze, less distinct at this stage. Notable sights include: Spring Mountains, Red Rock Canyon escarpment, Las Vegas Valley floor, McCullough Range.
What can I see when landing at Long Beach in Long Beach?
When landing at Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to LGB from the southeast, the left side overlooks the Pacific coastline, Long Beach Harbor's container cranes, and on clear days Catalina Island offshore — a dramatic urban-coastal finale. The right side mainly shows the flatter inland LA basin suburbs with less visual variety. Notable sights include: Long Beach Harbor, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Las Vegas to Long Beach?
The flight from Mc Carran International (LAS) to Long Beach (LGB) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 231 miles (372 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Las Vegas to Long Beach flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino/San Gabriel foothills near Cajon Pass before descending into the Los Angeles basin toward the coast.