Right-side seats capture the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains during departure and provide consistent views across the flight path through the Appalachian highlands. While left has the advantage at landing with Niagara Falls, the takeoff scenery is more visually striking.
Flown LAX to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Buffalo is 2,213 miles (3,561 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains (Kansas/Missouri), then enters the Appalachian region. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible around 2.5 hours into flight), the Ohio River valley, and the transition into the Appalachian plateau with its ridge-and-valley topography. Lake Erie becomes visible in the final approach phase, with the Finger Lakes region visible to the south during descent into Buffalo.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl during the initial climb-out eastward. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop as you gain altitude over the LA metropolitan area.
Landing at BUF
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River gorge during descent into Buffalo. You'll see the falls themselves and the dramatic river valley cutting through the landscape as you approach from 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 Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Buffalo. Right-side seats capture the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains during departure and provide consistent views across the flight path through the Appalachian highlands. While left has the advantage at landing with Niagara Falls, the takeoff scenery is more visually striking.
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 offer views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl during the initial climb-out eastward. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop as you gain altitude over the LA metropolitan area. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles downtown skyline, Pacific Ocean (receding westward), San Fernando Valley.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Niagara Falls and the Niagara River gorge during descent into Buffalo. You'll see the falls themselves and the dramatic river valley cutting through the landscape as you approach from the west. Notable sights include: Niagara Falls, Niagara River gorge, Lake Ontario (northern horizon), Finger Lakes region (distant south).
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Buffalo?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,213 miles (3,561 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains (Kansas/Missouri), then enters the Appalachian region. Notable features include the Mississippi River valley (visible around 2.5 hours into flight), the Ohio River valley, and the transition into the Appalachian plateau with its ridge-and-valley topography. Lake Erie becomes visible in the final approach phase, with the Finger Lakes region visible to the south during descent into Buffalo.