The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a clear departure view of the LA basin and San Gabriel Mountains, and a rare low pass over central London and the Thames on arrival, while the long mid-ocean and Arctic cruise segment offers little differentiation between sides.
Flight Path
Los Angeles to London is 5,443 miles (8,760 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
The route crosses the northern Rockies near Montana and Alberta, the Hudson Bay lowlands, the southern Greenland ice sheet, and a long stretch of the North Atlantic before reaching Ireland and southern England.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX departures in the normal west-flow pattern climb out over the Pacific before banking right onto the northeast track toward the transatlantic route. That turn swings the right side toward the Los Angeles basin, giving a clear look at the Downtown LA skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains before the city falls away.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTTransatlantic arrivals into Heathrow's westerly runways typically cross over central London from the east before the final turn, and the right side faces north across the city center. Passengers get a low-altitude pass over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye just minutes before touchdown.
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 Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to London. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: a clear departure view of the LA basin and San Gabriel Mountains, and a rare low pass over central London and the Thames on arrival, while the long mid-ocean and Arctic cruise segment 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. LAX departures in the normal west-flow pattern climb out over the Pacific before banking right onto the northeast track toward the transatlantic route. That turn swings the right side toward the Los Angeles basin, giving a clear look at the Downtown LA skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains before the city falls away. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Santa Monica Mountains.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Transatlantic arrivals into Heathrow's westerly runways typically cross over central London from the east before the final turn, and the right side faces north across the city center. Passengers get a low-altitude pass over the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the London Eye just minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf skyline, London Eye, Windsor Castle.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to London?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,443 miles (8,760 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to London flight path pass over?
The route crosses the northern Rockies near Montana and Alberta, the Hudson Bay lowlands, the southern Greenland ice sheet, and a long stretch of the North Atlantic before reaching Ireland and southern England.