The westbound departure from LAX on the left side offers the most dramatic and sustained scenery—the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, and coastal views dominate the first hour of flight. While the Providence landing on the right is pleasant, the cross-country flight path over the interior (Great Plains, Mississippi River valley, Appalachian Mountains) is better viewed from the left side as the aircraft travels northeast.
Flown LAX to PVD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Providence is 2,587 miles (4,163 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin (Nevada/Utah border), the Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming), the Great Plains (Kansas/Nebraska), the Mississippi River valley (Iowa/Illinois), and the Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/New York). Left-side passengers will see the Sierra Nevada peaks receding westward during climb, then the Rockies as a major ridge system in the midpoint, and finally the Appalachian ridges approaching Providence. Right-side passengers face the interior continental landscape with fewer dramatic vertical features.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of LAX. Right side faces inland toward urban sprawl with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at PVD
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Narragansett Bay approach, Rhode Island coastline, and Providence's urban core as the aircraft descends for landing. Left side faces the Atlantic Ocean with less distinctive features during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Theodore Francis Green State (PVD)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Providence. The westbound departure from LAX on the left side offers the most dramatic and sustained scenery—the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, and coastal views dominate the first hour of flight. While the Providence landing on the right is pleasant, the cross-country flight path over the interior (Great Plains, Mississippi River valley, Appalachian Mountains) is better viewed from the left side as the aircraft travels northeast.
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 immediate views of the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Santa Monica Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeastward out of LAX. Right side faces inland toward urban sprawl with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu coastline, Pacific Ocean.
What can I see when landing at Theodore Francis Green State in Providence?
When landing at Theodore Francis Green State (PVD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Narragansett Bay approach, Rhode Island coastline, and Providence's urban core as the aircraft descends for landing. Left side faces the Atlantic Ocean with less distinctive features during final approach. Notable sights include: Narragansett Bay, Providence River, Rhode Island coastline, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Providence?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Theodore Francis Green State (PVD) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,587 miles (4,163 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Providence flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin (Nevada/Utah border), the Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming), the Great Plains (Kansas/Nebraska), the Mississippi River valley (Iowa/Illinois), and the Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/New York). Left-side passengers will see the Sierra Nevada peaks receding westward during climb, then the Rockies as a major ridge system in the midpoint, and finally the Appalachian ridges approaching Providence. Right-side passengers face the interior continental landscape with fewer dramatic vertical features.