Los Angeles to Charlotte is 2,120 miles (3,413 km), a flight of about 4 hours 25 minutes.
The left side wins overall mainly on the strength of the descent into Charlotte, which shows more varied Piedmont terrain and lake scenery, combined with a partial view of the San Gabriel Mountains lingering after takeoff before the route flattens over the desert and plains for the long cruise.
Flight Path
The route crosses the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau near the Arizona-New Mexico border, the Texas Panhandle, and the Mississippi River valley before reaching the Appalachian foothills in the Carolinas.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX to the east/southeast, right-side passengers get views over downtown LA, the San Gabriel Valley, and the San Gabriel Mountains as the plane climbs. Left side mostly shows the Pacific coastline receding, which is nice but brief before the turn inland.
Landing at CLT
LEFTArriving into CLT typically from the west, left-side passengers see the Blue Ridge foothills and Piedmont terrain give way to Charlotte's skyline and surrounding lakes before landing. The terrain has more visual texture than the flatter approach on the right.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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 Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Charlotte. The left side wins overall mainly on the strength of the descent into Charlotte, which shows more varied Piedmont terrain and lake scenery, combined with a partial view of the San Gabriel Mountains lingering after takeoff before the route flattens over the desert and plains for the long cruise.
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 to the east/southeast, right-side passengers get views over downtown LA, the San Gabriel Valley, and the San Gabriel Mountains as the plane climbs. Left side mostly shows the Pacific coastline receding, which is nice but brief before the turn inland. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena/San Gabriel Valley, Santa Monica Bay (fading behind).
What can I see when landing at Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
When landing at Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving into CLT typically from the west, left-side passengers see the Blue Ridge foothills and Piedmont terrain give way to Charlotte's skyline and surrounding lakes before landing. The terrain has more visual texture than the flatter approach on the right. Notable sights include: Blue Ridge foothills, Lake Norman, Charlotte skyline, Catawba River.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Charlotte?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,120 miles (3,413 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Charlotte flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau near the Arizona-New Mexico border, the Texas Panhandle, and the Mississippi River valley before reaching the Appalachian foothills in the Carolinas.