The right side wins overall because the takeoff view over the San Gabriel Mountains and LA Basin is spectacular and the flight path heading east-southeast keeps the Sonoran Desert, the Salton Sea briefly visible, and the transition into the Chihuahuan Desert on the right side for much of the cruise. The left side has the better landing view, but the right side delivers more across the full flight.
Flown LAX to ELP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to El Paso is 713 miles (1,148 km), a flight of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After departing LA, the route crosses the Inland Empire and then the Colorado Desert east of the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea may be visible on the right side during initial climb. The route then crosses into Arizona over the lower Colorado River valley, passing south of the Phoenix metro area, before entering New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert. The Gila River valley and the rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico are visible below during cruise. The landscape transitions from Sonoran Desert scrub to higher-elevation basin and range terrain with isolated mountain ranges rising from flat desert floors.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX departures heading east typically use runways 24L/24R departing westward then turning east, or runways 06L/06R heading east. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Mountains and then the San Gabriel Mountains as you climb out over the LA Basin. The left side faces south toward the Pacific and suburban sprawl.
Landing at ELP
LEFTEl Paso International typically uses runways 04/22 or 08/26. On approach from the west, the left side faces south and gives you the Franklin Mountains running through the city, the Rio Grande, and Ciudad Juárez across the border in Mexico. The right side looks north into the Tularosa Basin and White Sands area but the urban and international geography is more compelling on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to El Paso International (ELP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to El Paso. The right side wins overall because the takeoff view over the San Gabriel Mountains and LA Basin is spectacular and the flight path heading east-southeast keeps the Sonoran Desert, the Salton Sea briefly visible, and the transition into the Chihuahuan Desert on the right side for much of the cruise. The left side has the better landing view, but the right side delivers more across the full 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 departures heading east typically use runways 24L/24R departing westward then turning east, or runways 06L/06R heading east. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Mountains and then the San Gabriel Mountains as you climb out over the LA Basin. The left side faces south toward the Pacific and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains (including Mt. San Antonio at 10,064 ft), Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Fernando Valley.
What can I see when landing at El Paso International in El Paso?
When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Left side for the best views. El Paso International typically uses runways 04/22 or 08/26. On approach from the west, the left side faces south and gives you the Franklin Mountains running through the city, the Rio Grande, and Ciudad Juárez across the border in Mexico. The right side looks north into the Tularosa Basin and White Sands area but the urban and international geography is more compelling on the left. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains State Park, Rio Grande, Ciudad Juárez (Mexico), El Paso downtown.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to El Paso?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to El Paso International (ELP) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 713 miles (1,148 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to El Paso flight path pass over?
After departing LA, the route crosses the Inland Empire and then the Colorado Desert east of the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea may be visible on the right side during initial climb. The route then crosses into Arizona over the lower Colorado River valley, passing south of the Phoenix metro area, before entering New Mexico and the Chihuahuan Desert. The Gila River valley and the rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico are visible below during cruise. The landscape transitions from Sonoran Desert scrub to higher-elevation basin and range terrain with isolated mountain ranges rising from flat desert floors.