The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with the LA Basin, coastline, and San Gabriel Mountains. Across the mid-flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridgelines as you cross into the Southeast. The landing view on the left is pleasant but relatively flat and modest, so the right side wins overall for the departure spectacle alone.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, the Texas Panhandle flatlands, Oklahoma and Arkansas lowlands, the Mississippi River valley, Tennessee hill country, and the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains before descending into the North Carolina Piedmont. The Appalachian ridgelines of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are visible from altitude as parallel northeast-southwest trending forested ridges roughly 45 minutes before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX departures heading east typically use runways 24L/24R departing westward then turning east, or runways 06L/06R heading east. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline and then the Los Angeles Basin sprawl before the San Gabriel Mountains come into view. Left side faces inland industrial areas and less scenic terrain.
Landing at RDU
LEFTRDU arrivals from the west typically approach on runway 23L/23R or 5L/5R. On approach from the west, the left side gives views over the Research Triangle area, downtown Raleigh's modest skyline, and the Piedmont landscape of pine forests and red-clay farmland. The right side faces more generic suburban sprawl to the north.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Raleigh-Durham. The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff experience with the LA Basin, coastline, and San Gabriel Mountains. Across the mid-flight, the right side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridgelines as you cross into the Southeast. The landing view on the left is pleasant but relatively flat and modest, so the right side wins overall for the departure spectacle alone.
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 departures heading east typically use runways 24L/24R departing westward then turning east, or runways 06L/06R heading east. On an eastbound departure, the right side gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline and then the Los Angeles Basin sprawl before the San Gabriel Mountains come into view. Left side faces inland industrial areas and less scenic terrain. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Observatory area on the hillside.
What can I see when landing at Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
When landing at Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. RDU arrivals from the west typically approach on runway 23L/23R or 5L/5R. On approach from the west, the left side gives views over the Research Triangle area, downtown Raleigh's modest skyline, and the Piedmont landscape of pine forests and red-clay farmland. The right side faces more generic suburban sprawl to the north. Notable sights include: Downtown Raleigh skyline, Jordan Lake to the southwest, Piedmont pine forest patchwork, Research Triangle Park campus clusters.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Raleigh-Durham?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Raleigh Durham International (RDU) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Los Angeles to Raleigh-Durham flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near Albuquerque, the Texas Panhandle flatlands, Oklahoma and Arkansas lowlands, the Mississippi River valley, Tennessee hill country, and the western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains before descending into the North Carolina Piedmont. The Appalachian ridgelines of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are visible from altitude as parallel northeast-southwest trending forested ridges roughly 45 minutes before landing.