The right side delivers the dramatic LA basin panorama on departure, which is the visual highlight of this route. The midwestern cruise is largely flat farmland visible from both sides equally, and the Grand Rapids arrival is modest. The LA departure view is the strongest single moment on this flight.
Flown LAX to GRR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Grand Rapids is 1,870 miles (3,010 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the Mojave Desert, crosses the Colorado River into Arizona, passes over the southern tip of Nevada near Las Vegas, then crosses Utah and Colorado's high desert plateau. Over Kansas and Missouri the terrain flattens into the Great Plains and then the Corn Belt. The Mississippi River is crossed near the Iowa-Illinois border. Indiana and southwestern Michigan are flat agricultural land all the way to Grand Rapids. The Rocky Mountains are largely avoided as the routing stays south then curves north across the plains.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns northeast. Right side passengers get the sweep back over the LA basin, with the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown LA skyline visible as the aircraft banks. Left side faces the Pacific with little to see.
Landing at GRR
LEFTGRR sits southeast of Grand Rapids and typically lands from the west or southwest on runway 08R/08L. On approach from the west, left side passengers look north and see downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand River winding through the city, and Lake Michigan visible on the distant western horizon behind them as they descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Gerald R Ford International (GRR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Grand Rapids. The right side delivers the dramatic LA basin panorama on departure, which is the visual highlight of this route. The midwestern cruise is largely flat farmland visible from both sides equally, and the Grand Rapids arrival is modest. The LA departure view is the strongest single moment on this 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 typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns northeast. Right side passengers get the sweep back over the LA basin, with the Santa Monica Mountains and downtown LA skyline visible as the aircraft banks. Left side faces the Pacific with little to see. Notable sights include: Downtown LA skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Observatory area, San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Gerald R Ford International in Grand Rapids?
When landing at Gerald R Ford International (GRR), sit on the Left side for the best views. GRR sits southeast of Grand Rapids and typically lands from the west or southwest on runway 08R/08L. On approach from the west, left side passengers look north and see downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand River winding through the city, and Lake Michigan visible on the distant western horizon behind them as they descend. Notable sights include: Grand River through Grand Rapids, downtown Grand Rapids skyline, Lake Michigan on the western horizon, agricultural patchwork of western Michigan.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Grand Rapids?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Gerald R Ford International (GRR) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,870 miles (3,010 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Grand Rapids flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Mojave Desert, crosses the Colorado River into Arizona, passes over the southern tip of Nevada near Las Vegas, then crosses Utah and Colorado's high desert plateau. Over Kansas and Missouri the terrain flattens into the Great Plains and then the Corn Belt. The Mississippi River is crossed near the Iowa-Illinois border. Indiana and southwestern Michigan are flat agricultural land all the way to Grand Rapids. The Rocky Mountains are largely avoided as the routing stays south then curves north across the plains.