The right side wins on both ends of this long flight — a scenic Pacific coastline departure from LAX and a rare aerial view of the Giza pyramids and Nile Delta on arrival into Cairo — plus a likely glimpse of southern Greenland's dramatic fjord coastline near Cape Farewell during the high-latitude cruise portion. The left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive terrain at both ends of the journey.
Flown LAX to CAI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Cairo is 7,592 miles (12,219 km), a flight of about 14 hours 5 minutes.
The great-circle route bows far north, passing over Hudson Bay and Baffin Island before crossing southern Greenland's ice sheet near Cape Farewell, where dramatic coastal fjords are visible before the long stretch of open North Atlantic toward Europe.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX in the normal west flow, right-side passengers get a sweeping view of the Pacific coastline as the aircraft climbs and banks back over land — Palos Verdes, Santa Monica Bay, and the LA skyline unfold below before the plane turns toward its cross-country climb. The left side mostly shows the flatter San Fernando Valley and hazy inland basin.
Landing at CAI
RIGHTOn approach to Cairo from the north, the flight path crosses the green fan of the Nile Delta before turning toward the airport, and the right side offers a clear angle across the Nile River, the dense grid of Cairo, and — most memorably — the Giza pyramid complex sitting on the desert edge southwest of the city. The left side mainly faces open desert with fewer identifiable landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cairo International (CAI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Cairo. The right side wins on both ends of this long flight — a scenic Pacific coastline departure from LAX and a rare aerial view of the Giza pyramids and Nile Delta on arrival into Cairo — plus a likely glimpse of southern Greenland's dramatic fjord coastline near Cape Farewell during the high-latitude cruise portion. The left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive terrain at both ends of the journey.
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. Departing LAX in the normal west flow, right-side passengers get a sweeping view of the Pacific coastline as the aircraft climbs and banks back over land — Palos Verdes, Santa Monica Bay, and the LA skyline unfold below before the plane turns toward its cross-country climb. The left side mostly shows the flatter San Fernando Valley and hazy inland basin. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island (on clear days), downtown Los Angeles skyline.
What can I see when landing at Cairo International in Cairo?
When landing at Cairo International (CAI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to Cairo from the north, the flight path crosses the green fan of the Nile Delta before turning toward the airport, and the right side offers a clear angle across the Nile River, the dense grid of Cairo, and — most memorably — the Giza pyramid complex sitting on the desert edge southwest of the city. The left side mainly faces open desert with fewer identifiable landmarks. Notable sights include: Nile River and Delta farmland, Cairo's urban sprawl, Giza Pyramids and Sphinx plateau, edge of the Western Desert.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Cairo?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cairo International (CAI) takes about 14 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,592 miles (12,219 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Cairo flight path pass over?
The great-circle route bows far north, passing over Hudson Bay and Baffin Island before crossing southern Greenland's ice sheet near Cape Farewell, where dramatic coastal fjords are visible before the long stretch of open North Atlantic toward Europe.