The right side delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight — the LA Basin, Santa Monica Mountains, and San Gabriel Mountains on departure are far more visually compelling than anything on the landing side. Mid-flight over Texas and Louisiana the views are similar on both sides, but the takeoff experience tips the balance decisively to the right.
Flown LAX to JAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Jackson is 1,638 miles (2,636 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks east-southeast across the Mojave Desert, then over the low ranges of southern New Mexico and West Texas before crossing the flat Gulf Coastal Plain. Notable features include the Chihuahuan Desert basin-and-range terrain over far West Texas, the Edwards Plateau escarpment, the broad Trinity and Sabine river valleys in East Texas, and the dense pine forests of the Piney Woods region of eastern Texas and western Louisiana before descending into the flat Mississippi alluvial plain.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs eastbound on runways 24L/24R (heading ~240) or westbound over the ocean. On the more common eastbound departure climbing out over the LA Basin, the right side faces north toward the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and downtown LA's skyline. The left side looks south over Inglewood and suburban sprawl.
Landing at JAN
LEFTJackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International typically uses runway 16/34. On a southbound approach to runway 16, aircraft track roughly south and the left side faces east toward downtown Jackson and the Pearl River. The right side looks west over flat agricultural land with little of interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Jackson International (JAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Jackson. The right side delivers the most dramatic scenery of the flight — the LA Basin, Santa Monica Mountains, and San Gabriel Mountains on departure are far more visually compelling than anything on the landing side. Mid-flight over Texas and Louisiana the views are similar on both sides, but the takeoff experience tips the balance decisively 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 eastbound on runways 24L/24R (heading ~240) or westbound over the ocean. On the more common eastbound departure climbing out over the LA Basin, the right side faces north toward the Santa Monica Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and downtown LA's skyline. The left side looks south over Inglewood and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Hollywood Hills, downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains on the distant horizon.
What can I see when landing at Jackson International in Jackson?
When landing at Jackson International (JAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International typically uses runway 16/34. On a southbound approach to runway 16, aircraft track roughly south and the left side faces east toward downtown Jackson and the Pearl River. The right side looks west over flat agricultural land with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Jackson skyline, Pearl River, Ross Barnett Reservoir to the north, flat Mississippi Delta farmland.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Jackson?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Jackson International (JAN) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,638 miles (2,636 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Jackson flight path pass over?
The flight tracks east-southeast across the Mojave Desert, then over the low ranges of southern New Mexico and West Texas before crossing the flat Gulf Coastal Plain. Notable features include the Chihuahuan Desert basin-and-range terrain over far West Texas, the Edwards Plateau escarpment, the broad Trinity and Sabine river valleys in East Texas, and the dense pine forests of the Piney Woods region of eastern Texas and western Louisiana before descending into the flat Mississippi alluvial plain.