Takeoff views of the Santa Monica Mountains and LA basin are more visually compelling than landing views of volcanic terrain. The departure climb offers better geographic context and more varied landscape features.
Flown LAX to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Keflavik is 4,304 miles (6,926 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the northern Pacific Ocean at high latitude. Notable waypoints include the Canadian coastline (British Columbia) visible during the first 2-3 hours, the Aleutian Islands region (Alaska) as a distant reference point around 4-5 hours, and the transition into the North Atlantic. The great circle route passes well north of Greenland's southern tip. Around 7-8 hours into flight, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region lies beneath the aircraft (not visible), and Iceland's approach begins with the Reykjanes Peninsula appearing on the horizon approximately 30-45 minutes before landing. The entire route remains over ocean for roughly 7 hours of the flight, with minimal landmark visibility except at departure and arrival.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLAX typically departs westbound (runways 24L/R). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. Right seats face the Pacific immediately with less geographic interest.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTApproaching KEF from the southwest (typical arrival routing), right seats face north-northeast toward Reykjanes Peninsula's dramatic volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline. Left seats see mostly open ocean. The volcanic landscape and coastal features are more visually distinctive than water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Keflavik. Takeoff views of the Santa Monica Mountains and LA basin are more visually compelling than landing views of volcanic terrain. The departure climb offers better geographic context and more varied landscape features.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. LAX typically departs westbound (runways 24L/R). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. Right seats face the Pacific immediately with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains (north), Los Angeles basin urban grid (south and east), Pacific Ocean (west), Malibu coastline (northwest).
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching KEF from the southwest (typical arrival routing), right seats face north-northeast toward Reykjanes Peninsula's dramatic volcanic terrain and the Atlantic coastline. Left seats see mostly open ocean. The volcanic landscape and coastal features are more visually distinctive than water. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark volcanic rock formations), Atlantic Ocean coastline, Fagradalsfjall volcanic area (recent activity zone), Keflavik town and airport infrastructure.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Keflavik?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,304 miles (6,926 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern Pacific Ocean at high latitude. Notable waypoints include the Canadian coastline (British Columbia) visible during the first 2-3 hours, the Aleutian Islands region (Alaska) as a distant reference point around 4-5 hours, and the transition into the North Atlantic. The great circle route passes well north of Greenland's southern tip. Around 7-8 hours into flight, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region lies beneath the aircraft (not visible), and Iceland's approach begins with the Reykjanes Peninsula appearing on the horizon approximately 30-45 minutes before landing. The entire route remains over ocean for roughly 7 hours of the flight, with minimal landmark visibility except at departure and arrival.