Los Angeles to Barcelona is 6,011 miles (9,674 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The left side wins both the takeoff sequence, with its view of the LA skyline and San Gabriel Mountains, and the landing sequence, with its close pass by Barcelona's skyline and the Collserola ridge, giving it the more consistent scenic edge over the flight's bookends.
Flight Path
The route's midpoint lies over the open North Atlantic, roughly south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks and well west of Ireland, with no land visible for several hours; earlier the flight crosses the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Great Lakes, and later it makes landfall over northern Spain before descending toward the Mediterranean coast near Barcelona.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTEastbound departures from LAX typically bank south over Santa Monica Bay before turning east, keeping the flight path south of the city and putting the Los Angeles skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains on the left side as the aircraft climbs inland. The right side mostly shows the receding Pacific and Palos Verdes coastline before it disappears from view.
Landing at BCN
LEFTOn the typical easterly landing configuration at BCN, the final approach passes just south of Barcelona city, giving the left side a clear view of the skyline, the Collserola ridge, and Montjuic hill before the runway comes into view along the coast. The right side mainly faces open Mediterranean water with no landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Barcelona (BCN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Barcelona. The left side wins both the takeoff sequence, with its view of the LA skyline and San Gabriel Mountains, and the landing sequence, with its close pass by Barcelona's skyline and the Collserola ridge, giving it the more consistent scenic edge over the flight's bookends.
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. Eastbound departures from LAX typically bank south over Santa Monica Bay before turning east, keeping the flight path south of the city and putting the Los Angeles skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains on the left side as the aircraft climbs inland. The right side mostly shows the receding Pacific and Palos Verdes coastline before it disappears from view. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley basin, Long Beach/South Bay coastline (fading right).
What can I see when landing at Barcelona in Barcelona?
When landing at Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical easterly landing configuration at BCN, the final approach passes just south of Barcelona city, giving the left side a clear view of the skyline, the Collserola ridge, and Montjuic hill before the runway comes into view along the coast. The right side mainly faces open Mediterranean water with no landmarks. Notable sights include: Barcelona skyline (Sagrada Família, Port Olímpic towers), Montjuic hill, Collserola ridge with Tibidabo tower, Mediterranean coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Barcelona?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Barcelona (BCN) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,011 miles (9,674 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Barcelona flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies over the open North Atlantic, roughly south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks and well west of Ireland, with no land visible for several hours; earlier the flight crosses the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and Great Lakes, and later it makes landfall over northern Spain before descending toward the Mediterranean coast near Barcelona.