The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with the LA basin panorama and coastal geography. The flight path arcs north over Canada then across Central Asia, where both sides offer similar views of the Himalayas and Iranian plateau in daylight portions. The Doha landing view on the left is excellent but brief — the LA departure on the right is the standout moment of the flight.
Flight Path
The great circle route tracks north over the Pacific to Alaska's southern coast, then across Canada's Yukon and Northwest Territories, over Greenland's ice sheet, across Scandinavia or Russia depending on routing, then south over Central Asia crossing the Caspian Sea, Iran's Zagros Mountains and central plateau, and finally descending over the Persian Gulf into Qatar. The Zagros mountain range in western Iran and the vast emptiness of the Canadian Arctic are the most visually striking midpoint features in daylight.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. Right side passengers get the sweep back over the LA basin, Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains as the aircraft banks. Left side faces open ocean during the initial climb.
Landing at DOH
LEFTDoha's Hamad International Airport typically lands from the northwest or northeast depending on winds, with the city of Doha and the distinctive West Bay skyscraper cluster visible on the left side during approach over the Persian Gulf. The left seat gives a clear view of the Qatar peninsula and the turquoise shallow waters of the Gulf.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Hamad International Airport (DOH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Doha. The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with the LA basin panorama and coastal geography. The flight path arcs north over Canada then across Central Asia, where both sides offer similar views of the Himalayas and Iranian plateau in daylight portions. The Doha landing view on the left is excellent but brief — the LA departure on the right is the standout moment of the flight.
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. LAX typically departs westward over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. Right side passengers get the sweep back over the LA basin, Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains as the aircraft banks. Left side faces open ocean during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Downtown LA skyline to the northeast, Santa Monica Mountains ridge, Palos Verdes Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Hamad International Airport in Doha?
When landing at Hamad International Airport (DOH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Doha's Hamad International Airport typically lands from the northwest or northeast depending on winds, with the city of Doha and the distinctive West Bay skyscraper cluster visible on the left side during approach over the Persian Gulf. The left seat gives a clear view of the Qatar peninsula and the turquoise shallow waters of the Gulf. Notable sights include: West Bay Doha skyscraper cluster, Persian Gulf shallow turquoise waters, Qatar peninsula coastline, Doha Corniche waterfront arc.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Doha?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Hamad International Airport (DOH) takes Approximately 16 to 17 hours nonstop.
What does the Los Angeles to Doha flight path pass over?
The great circle route tracks north over the Pacific to Alaska's southern coast, then across Canada's Yukon and Northwest Territories, over Greenland's ice sheet, across Scandinavia or Russia depending on routing, then south over Central Asia crossing the Caspian Sea, Iran's Zagros Mountains and central plateau, and finally descending over the Persian Gulf into Qatar. The Zagros mountain range in western Iran and the vast emptiness of the Canadian Arctic are the most visually striking midpoint features in daylight.