While the takeoff favors left seats for coastal views, the landing approach to Rome offers more dramatic and sustained scenery on the right. The Castelli Romani hills and Roman countryside provide richer visual interest than the Pacific departure.
Flown LAX to CIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Rome is 6,351 miles (10,222 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic, passing north of the Azores, then over the Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal), with views of the Pyrenees and Alps during the European approach. The Mediterranean Sea crossing offers water views for several hours. Notable landmarks along the route include the Strait of Gibraltar (if visible during the southern Atlantic crossing), the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain, and the Alps on the approach to Italy.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline immediately after departure. LAX runways typically depart westbound over the ocean, so left seats face north toward Malibu and the Santa Monica range.
Landing at CIA
RIGHTRight-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Ciampino. Aircraft typically descend from the south or southeast over the Castelli Romani hills and Roman countryside before banking left toward the airport east of Rome.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ciampino (CIA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Rome. While the takeoff favors left seats for coastal views, the landing approach to Rome offers more dramatic and sustained scenery on the right. The Castelli Romani hills and Roman countryside provide richer visual interest than the Pacific departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline immediately after departure. LAX runways typically depart westbound over the ocean, so left seats face north toward Malibu and the Santa Monica range. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Malibu beaches, Los Angeles basin sprawl to the east.
What can I see when landing at Ciampino in Rome?
When landing at Ciampino (CIA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide excellent views during the approach to Ciampino. Aircraft typically descend from the south or southeast over the Castelli Romani hills and Roman countryside before banking left toward the airport east of Rome. Notable sights include: Castelli Romani volcanic hills, Tiber River valley, Roman Campagna agricultural plains, Alban Hills.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Rome?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ciampino (CIA) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,351 miles (10,222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Rome flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic, passing north of the Azores, then over the Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal), with views of the Pyrenees and Alps during the European approach. The Mediterranean Sea crossing offers water views for several hours. Notable landmarks along the route include the Strait of Gibraltar (if visible during the southern Atlantic crossing), the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain, and the Alps on the approach to Italy.