The right side wins because it captures the LA coastline and harbor during takeoff, the Sonoran Desert and Franklin Mountains near El Paso during cruise, and a glimpse of Lake Grapevine and Fort Worth on approach, giving more consistent visual variety than the flatter, hazier views on the left.
Flight Path
Colorado River near Yuma, Sonoran Desert saguaro plains, Tucson and the Santa Catalina Mountains, Rio Grande valley and Franklin Mountains near El Paso, West Texas high plains
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTEastbound departures from LAX typically launch west over Santa Monica Bay before banking south and then east, putting the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the LA harbor at San Pedro, and the receding downtown LA skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter San Fernando Valley and hazier northern LA basin.
Landing at DFW
RIGHTOn the common south-flow approach into DFW, arriving aircraft from the west swing around to align with the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Fort Worth skyline and Lake Grapevine's shoreline just before touchdown. The left side mostly faces flat suburban terrain with fewer distinct features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Dallas-Fort Worth. The right side wins because it captures the LA coastline and harbor during takeoff, the Sonoran Desert and Franklin Mountains near El Paso during cruise, and a glimpse of Lake Grapevine and Fort Worth on approach, giving more consistent visual variety than the flatter, hazier views on the left.
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. Eastbound departures from LAX typically launch west over Santa Monica Bay before banking south and then east, putting the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the LA harbor at San Pedro, and the receding downtown LA skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter San Fernando Valley and hazier northern LA basin. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Downtown LA skyline.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common south-flow approach into DFW, arriving aircraft from the west swing around to align with the north-south runways, giving right-side passengers a view of the Fort Worth skyline and Lake Grapevine's shoreline just before touchdown. The left side mostly faces flat suburban terrain with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: Lake Grapevine, Fort Worth skyline, DFW airport terminal complex, North Texas prairie.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes 3h 25m.
What does the Los Angeles to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
Colorado River near Yuma, Sonoran Desert saguaro plains, Tucson and the Santa Catalina Mountains, Rio Grande valley and Franklin Mountains near El Paso, West Texas high plains