The left side wins on both ends of this flight: a scenic Southern California coastal departure and a dramatic volcanic-island harbor arrival into Auckland, while the right side offers mostly featureless ocean at both takeoff and landing.
Flown LAX to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Auckland is 6,516 miles (10,487 km), a flight of about 13 hours 5 minutes.
The vast majority of the route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no land visible for many hours; the great circle path passes well east of the Cook Islands and Samoa region near the equator before curving south toward New Zealand.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTIn LAX's typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay then bank south toward the open Pacific on this southbound routing. Left-side (east-facing) passengers get a receding view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach Harbor, and the Orange County coastline before the plane turns fully offshore. Right-side passengers mainly see open ocean with Catalina Island as a small, distant shape.
Landing at AKL
LEFTArrivals into Auckland on runway 23L typically descend from the northeast across the Hauraki Gulf before turning southwest for final approach. This puts the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island and the scattered gulf islands on the left side, along with glimpses of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore coastline, while the right side mostly faces open water and the less distinctive Manukau side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Auckland. The left side wins on both ends of this flight: a scenic Southern California coastal departure and a dramatic volcanic-island harbor arrival into Auckland, while the right side offers mostly featureless ocean at both takeoff and landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. In LAX's typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay then bank south toward the open Pacific on this southbound routing. Left-side (east-facing) passengers get a receding view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach Harbor, and the Orange County coastline before the plane turns fully offshore. Right-side passengers mainly see open ocean with Catalina Island as a small, distant shape. Notable sights include: Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach/San Pedro Harbor, Orange County coastline, Catalina Island (distant, right side).
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into Auckland on runway 23L typically descend from the northeast across the Hauraki Gulf before turning southwest for final approach. This puts the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island and the scattered gulf islands on the left side, along with glimpses of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore coastline, while the right side mostly faces open water and the less distinctive Manukau side. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island, Hauraki Gulf islands, Waitemata Harbour, North Shore coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Auckland?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 13 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,516 miles (10,487 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Auckland flight path pass over?
The vast majority of the route crosses open Pacific Ocean with no land visible for many hours; the great circle path passes well east of the Cook Islands and Samoa region near the equator before curving south toward New Zealand.