The right side wins overall because the LAX departure offers the more dramatic scenery — the LA coastline, basin, and San Gabriel Mountains — which is the visual highlight of this short flight. The cruise portion heading east over the Mojave and desert is relatively flat and featureless from either side, and the Luke approach views are modest.
Flown LAX to LUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Phoenix is 347 miles (559 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
The flight crosses the eastern Mojave Desert, passing over the Chino Hills and Inland Empire suburbs east of LA, then the San Bernardino Valley, before transitioning to open Sonoran Desert scrubland approaching the Colorado River valley and the Phoenix Basin. The terrain is largely flat desert with occasional low mountain ranges visible as dark ridgelines.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs eastbound on runways 24L/24R (heading ~240) or westbound over the ocean. For an eastbound departure toward Phoenix, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline and then the Los Angeles Basin sprawl as you climb and bank northeast. The left side faces inland industrial areas and less scenic terrain.
Landing at LUF
LEFTLuke AFB sits northwest of Phoenix and aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 03L/03R or 21. On approach from the west, the left side gives a clear view of the White Tank Mountains and the sprawling Phoenix metro grid. The right side faces open desert with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Luke Afb (LUF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Phoenix. The right side wins overall because the LAX departure offers the more dramatic scenery — the LA coastline, basin, and San Gabriel Mountains — which is the visual highlight of this short flight. The cruise portion heading east over the Mojave and desert is relatively flat and featureless from either side, and the Luke approach views are modest.
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. For an eastbound departure toward Phoenix, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline and then the Los Angeles Basin sprawl as you climb and bank northeast. The left side faces inland industrial areas and less scenic terrain. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Observatory area.
What can I see when landing at Luke Afb in Phoenix?
When landing at Luke Afb (LUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Luke AFB sits northwest of Phoenix and aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runway 03L/03R or 21. On approach from the west, the left side gives a clear view of the White Tank Mountains and the sprawling Phoenix metro grid. The right side faces open desert with less visual interest. Notable sights include: White Tank Mountains, Phoenix metro grid, Estrella Mountains, Luke AFB runways.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Phoenix?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Luke Afb (LUF) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 347 miles (559 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Phoenix flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the eastern Mojave Desert, passing over the Chino Hills and Inland Empire suburbs east of LA, then the San Bernardino Valley, before transitioning to open Sonoran Desert scrubland approaching the Colorado River valley and the Phoenix Basin. The terrain is largely flat desert with occasional low mountain ranges visible as dark ridgelines.