The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic LA skyline and mountain view on departure, and one of the most iconic mountain-and-harbor approaches in the world at Cape Town. The right side mostly faces open ocean during takeoff and Atlantic waters on landing, with far less variety.
Flown LAX to CPT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Cape Town is 9,992 miles (16,080 km), a flight of about 17 hours 45 minutes.
The route's midpoint lies over the tropical Atlantic, having crossed the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Amazon basin of northern Brazil before a long stretch of open South Atlantic Ocean toward the African coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTDeparting LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay before turning south toward the Gulf/Caribbean routing. On that turn, the left side offers a last look at the LA basin skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains before the city falls away behind haze.
Landing at CPT
LEFTOn approach to Cape Town under southeasterly 'Cape Doctor' wind conditions, runway 19 is used and the aircraft descends from the north, flying south with the city bowl and Table Mountain positioned off the left side. Passengers get a dramatic view of the flat-topped mountain, the harbor, and Robben Island in the bay before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cape Town International (CPT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Cape Town. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a scenic LA skyline and mountain view on departure, and one of the most iconic mountain-and-harbor approaches in the world at Cape Town. The right side mostly faces open ocean during takeoff and Atlantic waters on landing, with far less variety.
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. Departing LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay before turning south toward the Gulf/Caribbean routing. On that turn, the left side offers a last look at the LA basin skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains before the city falls away behind haze. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Downtown LA skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Cape Town International in Cape Town?
When landing at Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Cape Town under southeasterly 'Cape Doctor' wind conditions, runway 19 is used and the aircraft descends from the north, flying south with the city bowl and Table Mountain positioned off the left side. Passengers get a dramatic view of the flat-topped mountain, the harbor, and Robben Island in the bay before touchdown. Notable sights include: Table Mountain, Cape Town City Bowl and harbor, Robben Island, Lion's Head.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Cape Town?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cape Town International (CPT) takes about 17 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,992 miles (16,080 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Cape Town flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies over the tropical Atlantic, having crossed the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the Amazon basin of northern Brazil before a long stretch of open South Atlantic Ocean toward the African coast.