The right side wins on both ends of the flight — dramatic mountain and city views during the LAX departure, and a clearer view of the Des Moines skyline and river system on arrival — while the left side is dominated by open ocean early and featureless plains later.
Flown LAX to DSM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Des Moines is 1,444 miles (2,324 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Colorado Rockies foothills near the Front Range, high plains of eastern Colorado and Nebraska, and the flat farmland of western Iowa along the Missouri River valley
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX in the normal west-flow pattern, eastbound flights climb out over the Pacific and then bank right toward the interior, putting the Los Angeles basin, downtown skyline, and San Gabriel Mountains on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows open ocean and the flat South Bay coastline before the turn.
Landing at DSM
RIGHTOn approach into Des Moines, arrivals from the west typically align with Runway 31 or 13, curving over the Raccoon River valley before final approach; the right side offers a better view of the Des Moines skyline and the meandering river bends as the plane turns onto final.
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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 Des Moines International (DSM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Des Moines. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — dramatic mountain and city views during the LAX departure, and a clearer view of the Des Moines skyline and river system on arrival — while the left side is dominated by open ocean early and featureless plains later.
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 in the normal west-flow pattern, eastbound flights climb out over the Pacific and then bank right toward the interior, putting the Los Angeles basin, downtown skyline, and San Gabriel Mountains on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows open ocean and the flat South Bay coastline before the turn. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Mojave Desert edge.
What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?
When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Des Moines, arrivals from the west typically align with Runway 31 or 13, curving over the Raccoon River valley before final approach; the right side offers a better view of the Des Moines skyline and the meandering river bends as the plane turns onto final. Notable sights include: Raccoon River, Downtown Des Moines skyline, Iowa farmland patchwork, Des Moines River confluence.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Des Moines?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,444 miles (2,324 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Des Moines flight path pass over?
Colorado Rockies foothills near the Front Range, high plains of eastern Colorado and Nebraska, and the flat farmland of western Iowa along the Missouri River valley