While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side provides the better overall experience. After the initial climb, the left side tracks the southern edge of the Mojave Desert, offers views of the Colorado River crossing, and delivers the standout moment of the flight — the Mississippi River and Memphis on approach. The right side sees mostly flat Arizona and Arkansas terrain for the bulk of the cruise.
Flown LAX to MEM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Memphis is 1,615 miles (2,600 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Mojave Desert and then the Colorado River near Needles, CA. Over Arizona the terrain is high desert plateau with occasional mesas. New Mexico and Texas panhandle are flat shortgrass prairie. Arkansas is heavily forested Ouachita Mountains in the west transitioning to the flat Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The Mississippi River crossing just before Memphis is the most dramatic geographic feature of the entire route.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX primarily departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns northeast. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline curving south toward Palos Verdes, then as the aircraft turns, the San Gabriel Mountains come into view. Left side faces inland smog and urban sprawl during the turn.
Landing at MEM
LEFTMemphis International sits southeast of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runways 18L/18R or 36. On a left-side seat during approach from the west, you get a clear view of the Mississippi River's wide brown channel cutting through the landscape, with downtown Memphis visible on the bluffs above the river. The right side faces east toward flat agricultural land.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Memphis. While the right side wins at takeoff, the left side provides the better overall experience. After the initial climb, the left side tracks the southern edge of the Mojave Desert, offers views of the Colorado River crossing, and delivers the standout moment of the flight — the Mississippi River and Memphis on approach. The right side sees mostly flat Arizona and Arkansas terrain for the bulk of the cruise.
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 primarily departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns northeast. The right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline curving south toward Palos Verdes, then as the aircraft turns, the San Gabriel Mountains come into view. Left side faces inland smog and urban sprawl during the turn. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline.
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Memphis International sits southeast of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the west or southwest on runways 18L/18R or 36. On a left-side seat during approach from the west, you get a clear view of the Mississippi River's wide brown channel cutting through the landscape, with downtown Memphis visible on the bluffs above the river. The right side faces east toward flat agricultural land. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, downtown Memphis skyline, Mud Island, Memphis-Arkansas Bridge.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Memphis?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,615 miles (2,600 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Memphis flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mojave Desert and then the Colorado River near Needles, CA. Over Arizona the terrain is high desert plateau with occasional mesas. New Mexico and Texas panhandle are flat shortgrass prairie. Arkansas is heavily forested Ouachita Mountains in the west transitioning to the flat Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The Mississippi River crossing just before Memphis is the most dramatic geographic feature of the entire route.