LAX (Los Angeles) window seat guide

Best window seat at Los Angeles International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline

LandingRIGHT

Santa Monica Mountains, Getty Center, UCLA campus

🛫 Taking Off from Los Angeles (LAX)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting west on 25L, the right side gives you a great view north across Santa Monica Bay toward Santa Monica Pier and the Malibu coastline backed by the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a classic LA coastal shot right after liftoff, before the plane turns toward its route.
Look forSanta Monica Pier, Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains
Left window seat view during takeoff from Los Angeles (LAX) — Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica MountainsLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Los Angeles (LAX) — Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica MountainsRight Side

🛬 Landing at Los Angeles (LAX)

Best sideRight
WhyOn the standard west-flow approach into 24L, the final approach track runs west over the LA basin, and the right side of the aircraft faces north toward the Santa Monica Mountains. You'll get a good look at the Getty Center perched on its hilltop, the UCLA campus, and the hills backing Beverly Hills and Hollywood before touchdown near the coast.
Look forSanta Monica Mountains, Getty Center, UCLA campus, distant Hollywood Hills
Left window seat view during landing at Los Angeles (LAX) — Santa Monica Mountains, Getty Center, UCLA campus, distant Hollywood HillsLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Los Angeles (LAX) — Santa Monica Mountains, Getty Center, UCLA campus, distant Hollywood HillsRight Side
Los AngelesPhoto: Stephen Leonardi

LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, with nine terminals arranged in a horseshoe around a central parking structure, connected by the Automated People Mover train. It's the main gateway to Southern California and a major international and transpacific hub.

⛰️ Elevation128 ft
🛫 Runways4 (7L/25R, 7R/25L, 6R/24L, 6L/24R)
✈️ HubAmerican Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Los Angeles International (LAX)?

At Los Angeles International in Los Angeles: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains.

What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?

When taking off from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing west on 25L, the right side gives you a great view north across Santa Monica Bay toward Santa Monica Pier and the Malibu coastline backed by the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a classic LA coastal shot right after liftoff, before the plane turns toward its route. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains.

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 standard west-flow approach into 24L, the final approach track runs west over the LA basin, and the right side of the aircraft faces north toward the Santa Monica Mountains. You'll get a good look at the Getty Center perched on its hilltop, the UCLA campus, and the hills backing Beverly Hills and Hollywood before touchdown near the coast. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Getty Center, UCLA campus, distant Hollywood Hills.

What factors affect the best window seat at Los Angeles International?

The best window seat at Los Angeles International (LAX) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Los Angeles (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.