While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained visual interest with Appalachian terrain and the Birmingham urban area. The right side captures the more geographically distinctive portion of the flight path.
Flown LAX to BHM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Birmingham is 1,812 miles (2,915 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Mojave Desert, Colorado River near Lake Havasu, Arizona high desert plateau, New Mexico mesas and valleys, Texas Panhandle plains, Oklahoma grasslands, Arkansas River valley, Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, Tennessee Valley Authority lakes in northern Alabama
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin spreading eastward during the typical eastbound departure climb. Right seats face the Pacific Ocean but offer less dramatic terrain variation.
Landing at BHM
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Appalachian foothills and Birmingham's urban area during the typical westbound approach. The terrain east of Birmingham is more visually interesting than the flatter areas to the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Birmingham International (BHM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Birmingham. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained visual interest with Appalachian terrain and the Birmingham urban area. The right side captures the more geographically distinctive portion of the flight path.
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. Left seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin spreading eastward during the typical eastbound departure climb. Right seats face the Pacific Ocean but offer less dramatic terrain variation. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban sprawl, San Bernardino Valley, Mojave Desert edge.
What can I see when landing at Birmingham International in Birmingham?
When landing at Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Appalachian foothills and Birmingham's urban area during the typical westbound approach. The terrain east of Birmingham is more visually interesting than the flatter areas to the west. Notable sights include: Appalachian foothills, Vulcan Park and statue, Birmingham downtown skyline, Cahaba River valley.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Birmingham?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Birmingham International (BHM) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,812 miles (2,915 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Birmingham flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Colorado River near Lake Havasu, Arizona high desert plateau, New Mexico mesas and valleys, Texas Panhandle plains, Oklahoma grasslands, Arkansas River valley, Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, Tennessee Valley Authority lakes in northern Alabama