The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic departure turn over the LA coastal mountains and a landing approach that reveals Kobe and the Rokko range, while the long mid-Pacific cruise offers little differentiation between sides.
Flight Path
Open North Pacific Ocean, with the flight path passing south of the Aleutian Islands and occasionally within sight of the Kamchatka Peninsula's coastline on very clear days
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and then banks north-northwest to join the great-circle track toward Japan. Passengers on the right side get the best view of this turn, seeing the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu coastline, and San Fernando Valley recede below as the coast curves away.
Landing at KIX
RIGHTOn approach to KIX's runway 24, aircraft typically descend from the northeast over Osaka Bay, giving right-side passengers a view of the Kobe waterfront and the Rokko mountain range before the final turn onto the artificial island runway. This side offers more varied terrain than the open bay view on the left.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Kansai International (KIX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Osaka. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic departure turn over the LA coastal mountains and a landing approach that reveals Kobe and the Rokko range, while the long mid-Pacific cruise offers little differentiation between sides.
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. Departing LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and then banks north-northwest to join the great-circle track toward Japan. Passengers on the right side get the best view of this turn, seeing the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu coastline, and San Fernando Valley recede below as the coast curves away. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, San Fernando Valley.
What can I see when landing at Kansai International in Osaka?
When landing at Kansai International (KIX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to KIX's runway 24, aircraft typically descend from the northeast over Osaka Bay, giving right-side passengers a view of the Kobe waterfront and the Rokko mountain range before the final turn onto the artificial island runway. This side offers more varied terrain than the open bay view on the left. Notable sights include: Kobe waterfront, Rokko mountain range, Osaka Bay, Kansai International Airport's man-made island.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Osaka?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Kansai International (KIX) takes 11h 50m.
What does the Los Angeles to Osaka flight path pass over?
Open North Pacific Ocean, with the flight path passing south of the Aleutian Islands and occasionally within sight of the Kamchatka Peninsula's coastline on very clear days