While the LAX departure offers a strong coastal view, the Durban arrival delivers a more distinctive combination of beach, harbor, and headland scenery that's hard to match, giving the right side a slight edge over the long, mostly oceanic cruise phase.
Flown LAX to DUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Durban is 10,629 miles (17,106 km), a flight of about 17 hours 55 minutes.
The route's midsection crosses northern South America near the Colombian Andes and the Amazon basin before heading out over the vast South Atlantic Ocean toward the African coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTDeparting LAX in the standard west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and then banks south to pick up its southeasterly track toward South America. That turn puts the California coastline — Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, and the Baja California shoreline further south — squarely on the left side of the aircraft.
Landing at DUR
RIGHTApproaching King Shaka on runway 24, aircraft typically come in from the northeast over the Indian Ocean before turning onto final. This puts Durban's beachfront skyline, the harbor entrance, and the Bluff headland on the right side as the plane descends and turns toward the coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Durban. While the LAX departure offers a strong coastal view, the Durban arrival delivers a more distinctive combination of beach, harbor, and headland scenery that's hard to match, giving the right side a slight edge over the long, mostly oceanic cruise phase.
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 standard west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and then banks south to pick up its southeasterly track toward South America. That turn puts the California coastline — Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, and the Baja California shoreline further south — squarely on the left side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, Baja California coastline.
What can I see when landing at King Shaka International Airport in Durban?
When landing at King Shaka International Airport (DUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching King Shaka on runway 24, aircraft typically come in from the northeast over the Indian Ocean before turning onto final. This puts Durban's beachfront skyline, the harbor entrance, and the Bluff headland on the right side as the plane descends and turns toward the coast. Notable sights include: Durban's Golden Mile beachfront, Durban Harbor entrance, the Bluff headland, Indian Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Durban?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) takes about 17 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,629 miles (17,106 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Durban flight path pass over?
The route's midsection crosses northern South America near the Colombian Andes and the Amazon basin before heading out over the vast South Atlantic Ocean toward the African coast.