The right side wins both the departure and arrival sequences, with clear views of the Los Angeles coastline and skyline on takeoff and the Boston Harbor–skyline approach on landing, while cruise-phase scenery over the Rockies and Great Plains is roughly comparable from either side.
Flight Path
The route crosses the southern Rocky Mountains near Denver, the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Kansas and Nebraska, and passes near the Great Lakes region around Lake Erie before descending into New England.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX eastbound departures climb out over Santa Monica Bay and then arc back over the coastline, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Los Angeles shoreline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the downtown skyline before the turn inland. The left side mostly shows open ocean and hazy inland ridgelines during this phase.
Landing at BOS
RIGHTBoston arrivals from the north typically land to the south over the harbor, and on this approach the downtown skyline sits to the west of the flight path, meaning right-side passengers get a direct view of the Financial District towers and Charles River basin. The left side instead faces open harbor water with fewer landmarks.
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 General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Boston. The right side wins both the departure and arrival sequences, with clear views of the Los Angeles coastline and skyline on takeoff and the Boston Harbor–skyline approach on landing, while cruise-phase scenery over the Rockies and Great Plains is roughly comparable from either side.
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 eastbound departures climb out over Santa Monica Bay and then arc back over the coastline, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the Los Angeles shoreline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the downtown skyline before the turn inland. The left side mostly shows open ocean and hazy inland ridgelines during this phase. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Boston arrivals from the north typically land to the south over the harbor, and on this approach the downtown skyline sits to the west of the flight path, meaning right-side passengers get a direct view of the Financial District towers and Charles River basin. The left side instead faces open harbor water with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: Boston Harbor Islands, Downtown Boston skyline, Charles River basin, Logan Airport peninsula.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Boston?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes 5h 20m.
What does the Los Angeles to Boston flight path pass over?
The route crosses the southern Rocky Mountains near Denver, the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Kansas and Nebraska, and passes near the Great Lakes region around Lake Erie before descending into New England.