This great-circle route bows north across the Pacific, and the right side tracks that landward arc the whole way - the California coast at departure, distant glimpses of Alaska, Kamchatka, and Japan during cruise, and the Pearl River Delta with Hong Kong's mountainous islands on arrival - while the left side stays over open ocean almost the entire 15-hour flight.
Flight Path
The great-circle route reaches its highest latitude over the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Island chain before curving southwest past Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula and the Kuril Islands toward Japan and the East China Sea.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLeaving LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay and then bank right onto their oceanic routing, putting the Southern California coast squarely on the right side. Left-side passengers see open Pacific almost immediately with no coastline to look back on.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTOn descent into Hong Kong, the inbound track from the north/northeast keeps the Guangdong coast and Pearl River Delta on the right side, with Lantau Island's peaks and the Hong Kong Island skyline appearing just before touchdown. The left side faces mostly open South China Sea with fewer identifiable features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Hong Kong. This great-circle route bows north across the Pacific, and the right side tracks that landward arc the whole way - the California coast at departure, distant glimpses of Alaska, Kamchatka, and Japan during cruise, and the Pearl River Delta with Hong Kong's mountainous islands on arrival - while the left side stays over open ocean almost the entire 15-hour 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. Leaving LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay and then bank right onto their oceanic routing, putting the Southern California coast squarely on the right side. Left-side passengers see open Pacific almost immediately with no coastline to look back on. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Malibu coastline, Santa Catalina Island (distant).
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On descent into Hong Kong, the inbound track from the north/northeast keeps the Guangdong coast and Pearl River Delta on the right side, with Lantau Island's peaks and the Hong Kong Island skyline appearing just before touchdown. The left side faces mostly open South China Sea with fewer identifiable features. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Lantau Island peaks, Hong Kong Island skyline, South China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Hong Kong?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes 15h 25m.
What does the Los Angeles to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The great-circle route reaches its highest latitude over the Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian Island chain before curving southwest past Kamchatka's volcanic peninsula and the Kuril Islands toward Japan and the East China Sea.