While takeoff offers good coastal views on the right, the landing approach into Boise on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Boise Foothills and Ridge are visually striking and occupy a larger portion of the descent. Left seats capture the more memorable finale of the flight.
Flown LAX to BOI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Boise is 675 miles (1,086 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path climbs northeast from LAX across the Mojave Desert, passing east of the Sierra Nevada range (visible as a distant ridge on the left/north around cruise altitude). You'll cross the high desert plateau of central California and Nevada, with sparse vegetation and occasional dry lake beds visible. The Great Basin terrain dominates the midpoint—relatively flat with scattered mountain ranges appearing as low ridges on the horizon. As you approach Boise from the southwest, the landscape transitions to the Snake River Plain, with the Boise Foothills becoming increasingly prominent on the left side during descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as you climb out northeastward from LAX. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop immediately north of the airport, and you'll see the coast curve away to the northwest.
Landing at BOI
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Boise. You'll see the Boise foothills and the Boise Ridge rising prominently to the east and northeast of the airport, with the Boise Valley floor visible below as you approach from the southwest.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Boise Air Terminal (BOI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Boise. While takeoff offers good coastal views on the right, the landing approach into Boise on the left provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the Boise Foothills and Ridge are visually striking and occupy a larger portion of the descent. Left seats capture the more memorable finale of the flight.
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. Right-side seats capture the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as you climb out northeastward from LAX. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop immediately north of the airport, and you'll see the coast curve away to the northwest. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Los Angeles urban sprawl extending inland, Malibu coast to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Boise Air Terminal in Boise?
When landing at Boise Air Terminal (BOI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Boise. You'll see the Boise foothills and the Boise Ridge rising prominently to the east and northeast of the airport, with the Boise Valley floor visible below as you approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Boise Foothills, Boise Ridge, Boise Valley agricultural land, Boise city grid and downtown.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Boise?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Boise Air Terminal (BOI) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 675 miles (1,086 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Boise flight path pass over?
The flight path climbs northeast from LAX across the Mojave Desert, passing east of the Sierra Nevada range (visible as a distant ridge on the left/north around cruise altitude). You'll cross the high desert plateau of central California and Nevada, with sparse vegetation and occasional dry lake beds visible. The Great Basin terrain dominates the midpoint—relatively flat with scattered mountain ranges appearing as low ridges on the horizon. As you approach Boise from the southwest, the landscape transitions to the Snake River Plain, with the Boise Foothills becoming increasingly prominent on the left side during descent.