While the right side wins the LA departure with its coastal and mountain views, the left side's approach into Nice delivers one of the most visually striking landings in commercial aviation - the Riviera coastline, the city, and the Alps all in view together - giving it the edge for the full flight.
Flown LAX to NCE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Nice is 6,076 miles (9,779 km), a flight of about 10 hours 50 minutes.
Route passes over the Great Plains, the Great Lakes region, and the Labrador Sea before crossing the North Atlantic toward Western Europe.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and then banks right (north) to pick up its transcontinental heading. During that turn, the right side of the plane offers a sweeping view of the Los Angeles coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the San Gabriel range beyond the basin.
Landing at NCE
LEFTArrivals into Nice fly in from over the Mediterranean and land on runway 04 heading northeast, so the final approach hugs the coastline. On the left side, passengers get a classic view of the French Riviera - the Baie des Anges, the city of Nice, and the foothills of the Maritime Alps rising just behind the coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cote D Azur (NCE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Nice. While the right side wins the LA departure with its coastal and mountain views, the left side's approach into Nice delivers one of the most visually striking landings in commercial aviation - the Riviera coastline, the city, and the Alps all in view together - giving it the edge for the full flight.
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. Departing LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, the aircraft climbs out over Santa Monica Bay and then banks right (north) to pick up its transcontinental heading. During that turn, the right side of the plane offers a sweeping view of the Los Angeles coastline, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the San Gabriel range beyond the basin. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Gabriel Mountains, Catalina Island (distant silhouette).
What can I see when landing at Cote D Azur in Nice?
When landing at Cote D Azur (NCE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arrivals into Nice fly in from over the Mediterranean and land on runway 04 heading northeast, so the final approach hugs the coastline. On the left side, passengers get a classic view of the French Riviera - the Baie des Anges, the city of Nice, and the foothills of the Maritime Alps rising just behind the coast. Notable sights include: Baie des Anges, Nice city and harbor, Cap Ferrat peninsula, Maritime Alps foothills.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Nice?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Cote D Azur (NCE) takes about 10 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,076 miles (9,779 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Nice flight path pass over?
Route passes over the Great Plains, the Great Lakes region, and the Labrador Sea before crossing the North Atlantic toward Western Europe.