The right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenic content during both departure and arrival phases. Westbound departures from LAX on the right side provide immediate coastal views and the Los Angeles metropolitan area backdrop, while the approach into PDK on the right captures the Chattahoochee River valley and forested piedmont terrain. The left side offers primarily suburban sprawl and open ocean with minimal distinctive landmarks. The cruise phase over the southern United States is relatively uniform on both sides, but the right side's stronger bookend views (departure and arrival) make it the clear winner for this 4.5-hour flight.
Flown LAX to PDK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Atlanta is 1,947 miles (3,133 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the southern United States from west to east, passing over Arizona's Sonoran Desert and transition zones, New Mexico's high desert plateau, the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma plains, Arkansas's forested terrain and Mississippi River valley, Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau and ridge-and-valley topography, and finally Georgia's Piedmont region. At cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), the most notable midpoint features visible on clear days include the Colorado Plateau's edge in Arizona, the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico, the Mississippi River near Memphis, and the Appalachian foothills as the aircraft approaches Georgia. However, the cruise phase offers limited dramatic scenery compared to the departure and arrival sequences, with most of the route passing over relatively flat to gently rolling terrain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTRight-side departures from LAX during west-flow operations (the standard configuration) climb out over the Pacific Ocean initially, then turn eastward. This provides immediate coastal views of Santa Monica Bay, Manhattan Beach, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area receding beneath the aircraft. Left-side departures use inner runways and turn inland quickly over suburban sprawl with minimal scenic value during the critical early climb phase.
Landing at PDK
RIGHTRight-side approaches into PDK typically descend from the northwest over the northern suburbs of Atlanta, providing views of the Chattahoochee River valley, suburban development patterns, and the transition from forested terrain to urban areas. Left-side approaches descend over similar suburban terrain but with less distinctive geographic features and more uniform sprawl. The right side captures more of the river valley geography that defines the Atlanta region's topography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Atlanta. The right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenic content during both departure and arrival phases. Westbound departures from LAX on the right side provide immediate coastal views and the Los Angeles metropolitan area backdrop, while the approach into PDK on the right captures the Chattahoochee River valley and forested piedmont terrain. The left side offers primarily suburban sprawl and open ocean with minimal distinctive landmarks. The cruise phase over the southern United States is relatively uniform on both sides, but the right side's stronger bookend views (departure and arrival) make it the clear winner for this 4.5-hour 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. Right-side departures from LAX during west-flow operations (the standard configuration) climb out over the Pacific Ocean initially, then turn eastward. This provides immediate coastal views of Santa Monica Bay, Manhattan Beach, and the Los Angeles metropolitan area receding beneath the aircraft. Left-side departures use inner runways and turn inland quickly over suburban sprawl with minimal scenic value during the critical early climb phase. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Manhattan Beach Pier, Los Angeles downtown skyline (distant), Pacific coastline.
What can I see when landing at DeKalb Peachtree Airport in Atlanta?
When landing at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side approaches into PDK typically descend from the northwest over the northern suburbs of Atlanta, providing views of the Chattahoochee River valley, suburban development patterns, and the transition from forested terrain to urban areas. Left-side approaches descend over similar suburban terrain but with less distinctive geographic features and more uniform sprawl. The right side captures more of the river valley geography that defines the Atlanta region's topography. Notable sights include: Chattahoochee River valley, northern Atlanta suburbs, forested piedmont terrain, DeKalb County development.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,947 miles (3,133 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Atlanta flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the southern United States from west to east, passing over Arizona's Sonoran Desert and transition zones, New Mexico's high desert plateau, the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma plains, Arkansas's forested terrain and Mississippi River valley, Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau and ridge-and-valley topography, and finally Georgia's Piedmont region. At cruise altitude (typically 35,000-37,000 feet), the most notable midpoint features visible on clear days include the Colorado Plateau's edge in Arizona, the Rio Grande valley in New Mexico, the Mississippi River near Memphis, and the Appalachian foothills as the aircraft approaches Georgia. However, the cruise phase offers limited dramatic scenery compared to the departure and arrival sequences, with most of the route passing over relatively flat to gently rolling terrain.