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 Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta. The right side delivers the superior coastal Pacific views on departure from LAX, and during the cruise portion the flight tracks roughly south-southeast, keeping the Baja California peninsula and the Pacific coast visible on the right side for much of the journey. The left side has better Bay of Banderas views on landing, but the departure and cruise scenery on the right outweighs that single advantage.
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. LAX typically departs westward over the ocean on runways 24L/24R, then turns south. Right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island as the aircraft banks south toward Mexico. Left side faces inland toward the LA basin smog layer. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island, Long Beach Harbor.
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. Planes approaching PVR typically land on runway 04 heading northeast, or runway 22 heading southwest. On approach from the north, the left side faces the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and the dramatic Bay of Banderas coastline. The right side looks inland toward flat agricultural land. Notable sights include: Bahía de Banderas (Bay of Banderas), Sierra Madre Occidental foothills, Puerto Vallarta city waterfront, Punta Mita peninsula.
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 Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
The flight tracks south-southeast over the Pacific, passing offshore of the Baja California peninsula. Guadalupe Island may be faintly visible far to the right in clear conditions. The route crosses the Tropic of Cancer before descending toward the Mexican mainland coast. The Sierra Madre Occidental range becomes visible on the left as the aircraft approaches Puerto Vallarta from the north.