While the LA takeoff and Cleveland arrival favor the right side, the long cruise segment tips it to the left, which offers the only real terrain drama on this route: distant views of the southern Rockies and the Grand Canyon region as the flight path curves northeast over Arizona and Colorado before flattening out over the plains.
Flown LAX to CLE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Cleveland is 2,048 miles (3,296 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Grand Canyon region and southern Rocky Mountains (Colorado) north of the flight path, transitioning into the flat plains of Kansas and Missouri before the Appalachian foothills near Ohio.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTIn LAX's typical west-flow departure, the jet climbs out over the Pacific then banks right (north) toward its ENE routing, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the LA basin, downtown skyline, and the San Gabriel Mountains before leveling off.
Landing at CLE
RIGHTCleveland Hopkins' typical approach to the 24 runways brings aircraft in from the northeast, tracking near the Lake Erie shoreline before the final turn — putting the lake and Cleveland's downtown skyline on the right side during descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Cleveland. While the LA takeoff and Cleveland arrival favor the right side, the long cruise segment tips it to the left, which offers the only real terrain drama on this route: distant views of the southern Rockies and the Grand Canyon region as the flight path curves northeast over Arizona and Colorado before flattening out over the plains.
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. In LAX's typical west-flow departure, the jet climbs out over the Pacific then banks right (north) toward its ENE routing, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the LA basin, downtown skyline, and the San Gabriel Mountains before leveling off. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood Hills.
What can I see when landing at Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
When landing at Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cleveland Hopkins' typical approach to the 24 runways brings aircraft in from the northeast, tracking near the Lake Erie shoreline before the final turn — putting the lake and Cleveland's downtown skyline on the right side during descent. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Cleveland downtown skyline, Cuyahoga River mouth, Burke Lakefront Airport area.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Cleveland?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,048 miles (3,296 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Cleveland flight path pass over?
Grand Canyon region and southern Rocky Mountains (Colorado) north of the flight path, transitioning into the flat plains of Kansas and Missouri before the Appalachian foothills near Ohio.