The right side wins overall due to the dramatic LA departure views of the coastline and San Gabriel Mountains during climb-out, which are more visually striking than the FLL arrival views. The landing advantage on the left is real but shorter in duration and less dramatic. For the cruise altitude over the Gulf states, neither side offers a decisive advantage as the terrain is flat.
Flown LAX to FLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale is 2,338 miles (3,763 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso or southern New Mexico, the flat plains of Texas and Louisiana, the Mississippi River delta region, and the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Gulf of Mexico may be visible to the right side over Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle. The Everglades appear as a broad flat wetland on descent into South Florida, visible from both sides.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the ocean before turning east. On a right-side seat, as the aircraft banks left heading east, you get a sweeping view of the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the LA Basin sprawl, and the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the city. Left-side passengers face the open Pacific during the initial climb.
Landing at FLL
LEFTFLL typically lands from the east on runway 28L/28R, approaching over the Atlantic and crossing the barrier islands and Intracoastal Waterway. Left-side seats get a clear view of the Fort Lauderdale beach strip, Port Everglades, and the urban grid of Broward County on final approach. Right-side passengers look mostly at open water or suburban sprawl to the north.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale. The right side wins overall due to the dramatic LA departure views of the coastline and San Gabriel Mountains during climb-out, which are more visually striking than the FLL arrival views. The landing advantage on the left is real but shorter in duration and less dramatic. For the cruise altitude over the Gulf states, neither side offers a decisive advantage as the terrain is flat.
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 ocean before turning east. On a right-side seat, as the aircraft banks left heading east, you get a sweeping view of the Santa Monica Bay coastline, the LA Basin sprawl, and the San Gabriel Mountains rising behind the city. Left-side passengers face the open Pacific during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay and coastline, Downtown LA skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Hollywood Hills.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Left side for the best views. FLL typically lands from the east on runway 28L/28R, approaching over the Atlantic and crossing the barrier islands and Intracoastal Waterway. Left-side seats get a clear view of the Fort Lauderdale beach strip, Port Everglades, and the urban grid of Broward County on final approach. Right-side passengers look mostly at open water or suburban sprawl to the north. Notable sights include: Fort Lauderdale Beach strip, Port Everglades cruise terminal, Intracoastal Waterway, Broward County urban grid.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,338 miles (3,763 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso or southern New Mexico, the flat plains of Texas and Louisiana, the Mississippi River delta region, and the Gulf Coast of Florida. The Gulf of Mexico may be visible to the right side over Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle. The Everglades appear as a broad flat wetland on descent into South Florida, visible from both sides.