The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Southern California coastal departure views over Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island. The flight then tracks southeast over Central America and northern South America, where both sides see similar Llanos terrain on descent. The takeoff scenery on the right is the highlight of this route.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Pacific coast of Mexico near Manzanillo, then tracks over Guatemala and Honduras mountain ranges, crosses the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua or Costa Rica, passes over the Colombian Caribbean lowlands near Barranquilla, then descends over the vast flat Llanos Orientales of eastern Colombia toward Arauca near the Venezuelan border.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns south or southeast. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island as the aircraft banks southeast. The left side faces inland toward the LA Basin smog and suburban sprawl.
Landing at AUC
LEFTArauca's runway 01/19 typically sees approaches from the south heading north, or from the north heading south. On approach from the west, the left side faces the Arauca River forming the Venezuela-Colombia border and the vast Llanos grasslands. The right side looks toward open savanna with less geographic interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Santiago Perez (AUC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Arauca. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular Southern California coastal departure views over Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island. The flight then tracks southeast over Central America and northern South America, where both sides see similar Llanos terrain on descent. The takeoff scenery on the right is the highlight of this route.
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 south or southeast. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island as the aircraft banks southeast. The left side faces inland toward the LA Basin smog and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island (on clear days), Long Beach Harbor.
What can I see when landing at Santiago Perez in Arauca?
When landing at Santiago Perez (AUC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arauca's runway 01/19 typically sees approaches from the south heading north, or from the north heading south. On approach from the west, the left side faces the Arauca River forming the Venezuela-Colombia border and the vast Llanos grasslands. The right side looks toward open savanna with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Arauca River (Colombia-Venezuela border), Llanos Orientales grasslands, Arauca city grid, distant Andes foothills to the west.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Arauca?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Santiago Perez (AUC) takes Approximately 7 to 8 hours.
What does the Los Angeles to Arauca flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pacific coast of Mexico near Manzanillo, then tracks over Guatemala and Honduras mountain ranges, crosses the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua or Costa Rica, passes over the Colombian Caribbean lowlands near Barranquilla, then descends over the vast flat Llanos Orientales of eastern Colombia toward Arauca near the Venezuelan border.