The right side captures the LA Basin and mountains on departure, then the dramatic Alaskan coastline, Bering Sea, and Siberian Far East terrain during cruise, finishing with the Western Hills near Beijing on arrival — a far more varied and dramatic sequence than the ocean-dominated left side.
Flown LAX to PEK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Beijing is 6,236 miles (10,037 km), a flight of about 13 hours 25 minutes.
Gulf of Alaska, Alaska Range, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Okhotsk, Siberian Far East mountains, Mongolian plateau
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
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 north toward the polar routing, putting the Los Angeles Basin and San Gabriel Mountains on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows open Pacific water during this turn.
Landing at PEK
RIGHTArriving into Beijing from the north after crossing Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, the final descent typically lines up on the north-south runways, and the right-side windows face west toward the Western Hills (Xishan) and occasional glimpses of Great Wall ridgelines before the city flattens out. The left side mainly shows the featureless North China Plain.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Capital (PEK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Beijing. The right side captures the LA Basin and mountains on departure, then the dramatic Alaskan coastline, Bering Sea, and Siberian Far East terrain during cruise, finishing with the Western Hills near Beijing on arrival — a far more varied and dramatic sequence than the ocean-dominated left side.
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 north toward the polar routing, putting the Los Angeles Basin and San Gabriel Mountains on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly shows open Pacific water during this turn. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Malibu coastline.
What can I see when landing at Capital in Beijing?
When landing at Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into Beijing from the north after crossing Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, the final descent typically lines up on the north-south runways, and the right-side windows face west toward the Western Hills (Xishan) and occasional glimpses of Great Wall ridgelines before the city flattens out. The left side mainly shows the featureless North China Plain. Notable sights include: Western Hills (Xishan), Great Wall ridge segments near Badaling, Yongding River, Beijing urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Beijing?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Capital (PEK) takes about 13 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,236 miles (10,037 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Beijing flight path pass over?
Gulf of Alaska, Alaska Range, Bering Sea, Kamchatka Peninsula, Sea of Okhotsk, Siberian Far East mountains, Mongolian plateau