While takeoff on the left offers coastal scenery, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained visual interest with the Missouri River's dramatic meanders and the transition from prairie to settlement. The right side captures the geographic character of the northern Great Plains more distinctly.
Flown LAX to MOT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Minot is 1,326 miles (2,134 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible from both sides during climb), then transitions over the Great Basin and Nevada desert plateau. As you progress northeast, you'll pass over Utah's high desert terrain, then Wyoming's Wind River Range and Bighorn Mountains become visible. The landscape gradually transitions from arid basin-and-range topography to the rolling prairie of Montana and North Dakota. The Yellowstone Plateau region and Absaroka Range may be visible to the left (north) during the central portion of the flight. By descent into Minot, the terrain flattens into the characteristic glaciated prairie of the northern Great Plains with its subtle rolling topography and extensive agricultural development.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as the aircraft climbs northwest out of LAX. You'll see the coastal curve and urban sprawl of greater Los Angeles receding below.
Landing at MOT
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Missouri River valley and the landscape approaching Minot from the south. You'll see the river's distinctive meandering pattern and the transition from prairie to the airport area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Minot International (MOT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Minot. While takeoff on the left offers coastal scenery, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained visual interest with the Missouri River's dramatic meanders and the transition from prairie to settlement. The right side captures the geographic character of the northern Great Plains more distinctly.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as the aircraft climbs northwest out of LAX. You'll see the coastal curve and urban sprawl of greater Los Angeles receding below. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Los Angeles urban grid, Malibu coastal strip.
What can I see when landing at Minot International in Minot?
When landing at Minot International (MOT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Missouri River valley and the landscape approaching Minot from the south. You'll see the river's distinctive meandering pattern and the transition from prairie to the airport area. Notable sights include: Missouri River, North Dakota prairie grassland, Minot city and surrounding agricultural grid, Souris River valley.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Minot?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Minot International (MOT) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,326 miles (2,134 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Minot flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains (visible from both sides during climb), then transitions over the Great Basin and Nevada desert plateau. As you progress northeast, you'll pass over Utah's high desert terrain, then Wyoming's Wind River Range and Bighorn Mountains become visible. The landscape gradually transitions from arid basin-and-range topography to the rolling prairie of Montana and North Dakota. The Yellowstone Plateau region and Absaroka Range may be visible to the left (north) during the central portion of the flight. By descent into Minot, the terrain flattens into the characteristic glaciated prairie of the northern Great Plains with its subtle rolling topography and extensive agricultural development.