Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Des Moines. Takeoff scenery over the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coast is more visually dramatic than the landing approach over flat farmland. The westbound departure offers superior views during the most scenic portion of the flight.

During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. LAX typically departs westbound over the Pacific, then turns northeast. Left seats face the Santa Monica Mountains and Malibu coastline during initial climb. Right seats see only inland sprawl and smog. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu coastline, Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles basin urban grid.

When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Descent into DSM typically approaches from the west or southwest. Right seats face the Des Moines skyline and surrounding Iowa farmland during final approach. Left seats see only rural terrain. Notable sights include: Des Moines downtown skyline, Des Moines River valley, Iowa agricultural grid, Raccoon River confluence.

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible from altitude as a major north-south ridge system around 2 hours into flight), then transitions over the Great Basin's high desert terrain with sparse vegetation and isolated mountain ranges, before descending into the agricultural plains of the Midwest. The Colorado River drainage system and Utah's canyon country may be visible during cruise depending on exact routing.