Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta is 1,219 miles (1,962 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The left side offers the more dynamic visual experience — a scenic Southern California coastal departure, glimpses of the Baja California peninsula and Sea of Cortez during cruise, and a dramatic mountain-and-bay arrival into Puerto Vallarta — while the right side is dominated by featureless open Pacific Ocean for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Baja California peninsula's arid mountain spine, the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), and the Pacific coastline of mainland Mexico near Sinaloa and Nayarit
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTIn LAX's typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay then arc south toward Mexico, putting the Southern California coastline on the left. Passengers get a clear view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach harbor, and Santa Catalina Island offshore before the plane turns fully out to sea.
Landing at PVR
LEFTOn approach into Puerto Vallarta, the aircraft banks over Bahía de Banderas before lining up on runway 04, giving left-side passengers a view of the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills rising sharply behind the resort town and the curve of the bay. The right side mostly shows open Pacific water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta. The left side offers the more dynamic visual experience — a scenic Southern California coastal departure, glimpses of the Baja California peninsula and Sea of Cortez during cruise, and a dramatic mountain-and-bay arrival into Puerto Vallarta — while the right side is dominated by featureless open Pacific Ocean for most of the flight.
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. In LAX's typical west-flow departure, aircraft climb out over Santa Monica Bay then arc south toward Mexico, putting the Southern California coastline on the left. Passengers get a clear view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach harbor, and Santa Catalina Island offshore before the plane turns fully out to sea. Notable sights include: Palos Verdes Peninsula, Long Beach/San Pedro harbor, Santa Catalina Island.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
When landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Puerto Vallarta, the aircraft banks over Bahía de Banderas before lining up on runway 04, giving left-side passengers a view of the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills rising sharply behind the resort town and the curve of the bay. The right side mostly shows open Pacific water. Notable sights include: Bahía de Banderas, Sierra Madre Occidental foothills, Puerto Vallarta coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,219 miles (1,962 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
Baja California peninsula's arid mountain spine, the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), and the Pacific coastline of mainland Mexico near Sinaloa and Nayarit