While takeoff favors the right side with LA's mountains and skyline, the left side wins overall due to the extended, visually richer approach into Orlando with lakes, skyline, and theme park geography, combined with a decent view during the transcontinental cruise portion over the Southwest.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert regions, the Rio Grande valley, and the broad plains of Texas and the Gulf Coast states before reaching Florida, with occasional views of the Mississippi River during clear conditions.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTFlights out of LAX typically depart westbound over the Pacific then turn east, giving right-side passengers a view of the LA basin, the San Gabriel Mountains, and downtown LA skyline as the plane banks. Left side mostly sees ocean briefly then featureless west-side sprawl.
Landing at MCO
LEFTOn approach into MCO from the west, the left side offers views of central Florida's lake-studded terrain, the Orlando skyline, and glimpses of theme park areas before landing. The right side mostly shows flat, repetitive farmland and scrub with less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Orlando. While takeoff favors the right side with LA's mountains and skyline, the left side wins overall due to the extended, visually richer approach into Orlando with lakes, skyline, and theme park geography, combined with a decent view during the transcontinental cruise portion over the Southwest.
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. Flights out of LAX typically depart westbound over the Pacific then turn east, giving right-side passengers a view of the LA basin, the San Gabriel Mountains, and downtown LA skyline as the plane banks. Left side mostly sees ocean briefly then featureless west-side sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Pacific coastline near Santa Monica, Los Angeles International Airport runways.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCO from the west, the left side offers views of central Florida's lake-studded terrain, the Orlando skyline, and glimpses of theme park areas before landing. The right side mostly shows flat, repetitive farmland and scrub with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Orlando skyline, Lake Apopka, central Florida lake clusters, Walt Disney World area (visible from altitude as distinct green/geometric patches).
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Orlando?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Orlando International (MCO) takes 4h 45m.
What does the Los Angeles to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert regions, the Rio Grande valley, and the broad plains of Texas and the Gulf Coast states before reaching Florida, with occasional views of the Mississippi River during clear conditions.