About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Fiumicino (FCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Rome. The right side wins overall because the LAX departure offers genuinely dramatic scenery — the LA coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, and the transition from ocean to city to desert as you head northeast. The landing views on the left are good but relatively flat. For the long transatlantic cruise, both sides see similar Atlantic and Alpine terrain, so the departure experience tips the balance to the right.
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 typically departs westward over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, then the Santa Monica Mountains and the sprawl of the San Fernando Valley as you climb out and bank northeast. Left side faces open ocean during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley grid, Catalina Island visible to the south on clear days.
What can I see when landing at Fiumicino in Rome?
When landing at Fiumicino (FCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. FCO sits southwest of Rome and aircraft typically approach from the northwest or west on runway 16R/16L, tracking southeast. The left side gives you the Tyrrhenian Sea coast, then the Tiber River delta and the Agro Pontino plain, with Rome's urban mass visible to the northeast. Right side faces inland agricultural land. Notable sights include: Tyrrhenian Sea coastline, Tiber River and its delta, Rome's urban sprawl to the northeast, Castelli Romani hills beyond the city.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Rome?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Fiumicino (FCO) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.
What does the Los Angeles to Rome flight path pass over?
After departing LA, the route tracks northeast over the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains, then crosses the Great Plains and the US Northeast. Over the Atlantic the route arcs north toward Greenland and Iceland, with occasional sea ice and icebergs visible below at lower latitudes. Approaching Europe the route crosses Ireland or southern England, then tracks southeast over France, with the Alps visible as a major snow-capped barrier before descending into Italy.