The left side wins both takeoff and landing: LA's mountains and basin at departure, then the iconic Manhattan skyline and Hudson River on approach into EWR. The right side mostly sees flat cruise terrain over the Midwest and Appalachian foothills with less dramatic bookends.
Flight Path
Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon region (southern edge), Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Mississippi River, Appalachian Mountains
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTDeparting LAX to the east/northeast, the left side captures the LA basin, Hollywood Hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains as the plane climbs out. This is the classic LA departure view before the flight turns onto its transcontinental heading.
Landing at EWR
LEFTOn approach to EWR from the west, the left side offers a dramatic view of the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River, plus Newark Bay and the harbor. This is one of the most recognizable urban approaches in North America.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Newark. The left side wins both takeoff and landing: LA's mountains and basin at departure, then the iconic Manhattan skyline and Hudson River on approach into EWR. The right side mostly sees flat cruise terrain over the Midwest and Appalachian foothills with less dramatic bookends.
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 to the east/northeast, the left side captures the LA basin, Hollywood Hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains as the plane climbs out. This is the classic LA departure view before the flight turns onto its transcontinental heading. Notable sights include: Downtown LA skyline, Hollywood Hills, San Gabriel Mountains, Mojave Desert edge.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to EWR from the west, the left side offers a dramatic view of the Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River, plus Newark Bay and the harbor. This is one of the most recognizable urban approaches in North America. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Newark Bay, Statue of Liberty area.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Newark?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes 5h 30m.
What does the Los Angeles to Newark flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert, Grand Canyon region (southern edge), Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Mississippi River, Appalachian Mountains