The right side offers the only meaningful scenery on this long transpacific flight: a scenic coastal departure over Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains, followed many hours later by a descent over the Pearl River Delta and Guangzhou's skyline, while the cruise phase itself is almost entirely open ocean regardless of side.
Flown LAX to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Guangzhou is 7,219 miles (11,618 km), a flight of about 14 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Pacific Ocean, passing south of the Aleutian Islands and near the Kamchatka Peninsula before the route curves south past Japan and the East China Sea toward the Chinese coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTWestbound Pacific departures from LAX typically climb out over Santa Monica Bay and then bank right onto a northwesterly heading toward the Pacific great-circle route, putting the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains on the right side of the aircraft during the turn.
Landing at CAN
RIGHTArrivals into Baiyun typically descend from the north over the hilly Guangdong countryside before turning to align with the airport's north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl and the low peaks of Baiyun Mountain just north of Guangzhou city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Guangzhou. The right side offers the only meaningful scenery on this long transpacific flight: a scenic coastal departure over Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains, followed many hours later by a descent over the Pearl River Delta and Guangzhou's skyline, while the cruise phase itself is almost entirely open ocean regardless of 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. Westbound Pacific departures from LAX typically climb out over Santa Monica Bay and then bank right onto a northwesterly heading toward the Pacific great-circle route, putting the Malibu coastline and Santa Monica Mountains on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Palos Verdes Peninsula (fading behind).
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into Baiyun typically descend from the north over the hilly Guangdong countryside before turning to align with the airport's north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Pearl River Delta's dense urban sprawl and the low peaks of Baiyun Mountain just north of Guangzhou city. Notable sights include: Pearl River, Guangzhou city skyline, Baiyun Mountain, Pearl River Delta farmland and towns.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Guangzhou?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 14 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,219 miles (11,618 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Open North Pacific Ocean, passing south of the Aleutian Islands and near the Kamchatka Peninsula before the route curves south past Japan and the East China Sea toward the Chinese coast.