The right side benefits from a dramatic mountainous departure over the San Gabriels and, during cruise, likely passes near the Rockies and Sierra Nevada on the great-circle route east, giving it more sustained terrain interest than the left, which is dominated by long ocean and plains stretches with only the Docklands approach as a highlight.
Flown LAX to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to London is 5,458 miles (8,784 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and a long stretch of the North Atlantic Ocean before the Irish coast
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTEastbound departures from LAX in west-flow configuration climb out over the Pacific and then turn north/northeast to join transcontinental airways, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the edge of the Mojave in view on the right as the aircraft banks. The left side only briefly holds the coastline before the turn carries it out of view.
Landing at LCY
LEFTOn the approach to London City Airport's runway 27, aircraft track west along the Thames Estuary and river bend near Docklands, and the left side gets the closer, more dramatic view of the Canary Wharf skyscraper cluster rising right beside the flight path. The right side mostly shows residential south London rooftops with less landmark density.
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 City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to London. The right side benefits from a dramatic mountainous departure over the San Gabriels and, during cruise, likely passes near the Rockies and Sierra Nevada on the great-circle route east, giving it more sustained terrain interest than the left, which is dominated by long ocean and plains stretches with only the Docklands approach as a highlight.
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. Eastbound departures from LAX in west-flow configuration climb out over the Pacific and then turn north/northeast to join transcontinental airways, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the edge of the Mojave in view on the right as the aircraft banks. The left side only briefly holds the coastline before the turn carries it out of view. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Bay (brief), Mojave Desert fringe.
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the approach to London City Airport's runway 27, aircraft track west along the Thames Estuary and river bend near Docklands, and the left side gets the closer, more dramatic view of the Canary Wharf skyscraper cluster rising right beside the flight path. The right side mostly shows residential south London rooftops with less landmark density. Notable sights include: Canary Wharf towers, River Thames bends, Docklands wharves, O2 Arena in the distance.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to London?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to City (LCY) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,458 miles (8,784 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to London flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and a long stretch of the North Atlantic Ocean before the Irish coast