Los Angeles to Sydney is 7,503 miles (12,075 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
The right side wins overall due to the spectacular LAX departure views over Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island. The transpacific crossing offers little to see from either side at cruise altitude over open ocean, and the Bankstown arrival views, while interesting, are modest compared to the departure scenery.
Flight Path
The great circle route tracks southwest from LAX over the central Pacific Ocean, passing north of Hawaii, then arcing down through the tropical Pacific toward Fiji and New Caledonia before approaching eastern Australia. The route crosses the International Date Line roughly 5 to 6 hours into the flight. At cruise altitude the ocean is featureless for the vast majority of the crossing, with occasional low cloud systems visible below. The French Polynesian island chains including the Tuamotu Archipelago may be visible as tiny atolls far below if the route passes near them. The Australian coastline near Byron Bay or the Gold Coast hinterland may be the first land visible on approach.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns south toward the flight path. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island as the aircraft banks left over the ocean. Left side faces inland toward the LA Basin smog and urban sprawl.
Landing at BWU
LEFTBankstown Airport sits southwest of Sydney CBD. Aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 11, tracking over suburban western Sydney. The left side gives views of the Blue Mountains escarpment to the west and the Nepean River valley as you descend, while the right side faces south toward flat suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Sydney. The right side wins overall due to the spectacular LAX departure views over Santa Monica Bay and Catalina Island. The transpacific crossing offers little to see from either side at cruise altitude over open ocean, and the Bankstown arrival views, while interesting, are modest compared to the departure scenery.
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 typically departs westward over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns south toward the flight path. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island as the aircraft banks left over the ocean. Left side faces inland toward the LA Basin smog and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island (on clear days), Long Beach Harbor.
What can I see when landing at Sydney Bankstown in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney Bankstown (BWU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Bankstown Airport sits southwest of Sydney CBD. Aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 11, tracking over suburban western Sydney. The left side gives views of the Blue Mountains escarpment to the west and the Nepean River valley as you descend, while the right side faces south toward flat suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains escarpment, Nepean River, Parramatta River corridor, Western Sydney suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Sydney?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Sydney Bankstown (BWU) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,503 miles (12,075 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Sydney flight path pass over?
The great circle route tracks southwest from LAX over the central Pacific Ocean, passing north of Hawaii, then arcing down through the tropical Pacific toward Fiji and New Caledonia before approaching eastern Australia. The route crosses the International Date Line roughly 5 to 6 hours into the flight. At cruise altitude the ocean is featureless for the vast majority of the crossing, with occasional low cloud systems visible below. The French Polynesian island chains including the Tuamotu Archipelago may be visible as tiny atolls far below if the route passes near them. The Australian coastline near Byron Bay or the Gold Coast hinterland may be the first land visible on approach.