The right side wins because of the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert views during departure, plus a cruise track that skirts northern Arizona's high plateau country, giving it far more topographic interest than the flat plains visible from the left.
Flown LAX to IND? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Indianapolis is 1,810 miles (2,913 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Northern Arizona plateau country near Flagstaff, the southern Rocky Mountain foothills in New Mexico/Colorado, then the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Kansas and Missouri
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX's west-flow departures send jets out over the Pacific before curving back inland and eastbound; that turn puts the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the edge of the Mojave Desert on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side only shows open ocean and the Palos Verdes coastline briefly.
Landing at IND
RIGHTIND's typical approach to runway 23 tracks in from the northeast over flat Indiana farmland; there's little difference between sides, but the right offers occasional glimpses of the White River corridor and downtown Indianapolis skyline as the aircraft banks toward final.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Indianapolis International (IND)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Indianapolis. The right side wins because of the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains and Mojave Desert views during departure, plus a cruise track that skirts northern Arizona's high plateau country, giving it far more topographic interest than the flat plains visible from the left.
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's west-flow departures send jets out over the Pacific before curving back inland and eastbound; that turn puts the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Fernando Valley, and the edge of the Mojave Desert on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side only shows open ocean and the Palos Verdes coastline briefly. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Bay (left, brief), Mojave Desert edge.
What can I see when landing at Indianapolis International in Indianapolis?
When landing at Indianapolis International (IND), sit on the Right side for the best views. IND's typical approach to runway 23 tracks in from the northeast over flat Indiana farmland; there's little difference between sides, but the right offers occasional glimpses of the White River corridor and downtown Indianapolis skyline as the aircraft banks toward final. Notable sights include: White River, downtown Indianapolis skyline, patchwork farmland.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Indianapolis?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Indianapolis International (IND) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,810 miles (2,913 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Indianapolis flight path pass over?
Northern Arizona plateau country near Flagstaff, the southern Rocky Mountain foothills in New Mexico/Colorado, then the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Kansas and Missouri