The right side wins mainly on the strength of the LAX departure, which delivers a genuinely varied sequence of coastline, city, mountains, and desert in quick succession, plus better exposure to the Rockies and Gulf-facing terrain earlier in cruise; the Madrid approach on the left is pleasant but shorter and less dramatic by comparison.
Flight Path
Rocky Mountain high country over Colorado shortly after departure, the Great Plains, the Canadian Shield and Labrador Peninsula as the great-circle route arcs north, then a long stretch of the North Atlantic before descending over the Bay of Biscay and the Spanish Meseta into Madrid
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTEastbound LAX departures lift off westward over the Pacific in the standard west-flow pattern, then bank right back across the Los Angeles basin to get on an easterly heading toward Europe. That turn puts the L.A. skyline, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the edge of the Mojave Desert on the right side as the jet climbs out.
Landing at MAD
LEFTBarajas' predominant north configuration means arrivals loop around to approach from the south and land heading north, so after crossing central Spain the aircraft swings past Madrid before lining up. On that final leg the city's skyline and the Sierra de Guadarrama beyond it sit on the left side of the cabin.
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 Barajas (MAD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Madrid. The right side wins mainly on the strength of the LAX departure, which delivers a genuinely varied sequence of coastline, city, mountains, and desert in quick succession, plus better exposure to the Rockies and Gulf-facing terrain earlier in cruise; the Madrid approach on the left is pleasant but shorter and less dramatic by comparison.
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 LAX departures lift off westward over the Pacific in the standard west-flow pattern, then bank right back across the Los Angeles basin to get on an easterly heading toward Europe. That turn puts the L.A. skyline, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the edge of the Mojave Desert on the right side as the jet climbs out. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Mojave Desert fringe.
What can I see when landing at Barajas in Madrid?
When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Barajas' predominant north configuration means arrivals loop around to approach from the south and land heading north, so after crossing central Spain the aircraft swings past Madrid before lining up. On that final leg the city's skyline and the Sierra de Guadarrama beyond it sit on the left side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Madrid skyline (Cuatro Torres towers), Sierra de Guadarrama, Jarama River valley, Meseta farmland.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Madrid?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Barajas (MAD) takes 10h 30m.
What does the Los Angeles to Madrid flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain high country over Colorado shortly after departure, the Great Plains, the Canadian Shield and Labrador Peninsula as the great-circle route arcs north, then a long stretch of the North Atlantic before descending over the Bay of Biscay and the Spanish Meseta into Madrid