The right side wins overall. The takeoff view from the right is significantly more dramatic — the LA coastline, basin, and San Gabriel Mountains are among the most visually striking urban departures in the US. Across the flight, the right side also tracks closer to the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau during the cruise portion. The Albany arrival view on the left is good but relatively brief.
Flown LAX to ALB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Albany is 2,462 miles (3,963 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the Mojave Desert, then the Colorado Plateau with its canyon systems visible in clear conditions, the southern Rocky Mountains over New Mexico and Colorado, the Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, the Mississippi River valley, then the Appalachian Mountains through Pennsylvania before descending into the Hudson Valley. The Appalachians appear as long parallel ridgelines from altitude, and the Mississippi is clearly visible as a wide meandering river on clear days.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and as you bank north, the downtown LA skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains behind it. Left side faces the open Pacific with little to see.
Landing at ALB
LEFTAlbany airport typically lands on runway 01 (heading north) or runway 19 (heading south) depending on winds. On the common approach from the west, the left side faces south and east, giving views of the Hudson River valley, the Catskill Mountains to the southwest, and the city of Albany along the river. The right side faces north toward less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Albany International (ALB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Albany. The right side wins overall. The takeoff view from the right is significantly more dramatic — the LA coastline, basin, and San Gabriel Mountains are among the most visually striking urban departures in the US. Across the flight, the right side also tracks closer to the southern Rockies and Colorado Plateau during the cruise portion. The Albany arrival view on the left is good but relatively brief.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and as you bank north, the downtown LA skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains behind it. Left side faces the open Pacific with little to see. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Albany International in Albany?
When landing at Albany International (ALB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Albany airport typically lands on runway 01 (heading north) or runway 19 (heading south) depending on winds. On the common approach from the west, the left side faces south and east, giving views of the Hudson River valley, the Catskill Mountains to the southwest, and the city of Albany along the river. The right side faces north toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Albany city center, Catskill Mountains, Adirondack foothills.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Albany?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Albany International (ALB) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,462 miles (3,963 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Albany flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mojave Desert, then the Colorado Plateau with its canyon systems visible in clear conditions, the southern Rocky Mountains over New Mexico and Colorado, the Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, the Mississippi River valley, then the Appalachian Mountains through Pennsylvania before descending into the Hudson Valley. The Appalachians appear as long parallel ridgelines from altitude, and the Mississippi is clearly visible as a wide meandering river on clear days.