The left side offers the LA skyline on departure and volcanic terrain plus Lake Ilopango on arrival, while cruise over Mexico and Central America also keeps the Sierra Madre and Central American highlands on that side, giving more varied and dramatic scenery than the largely oceanic right side.
Flown LAX to SAL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to San Salvador is 2,320 miles (3,734 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
Route crosses the Mexican mainland along the Pacific slope, passing near the Sierra Madre del Sur and the volcanic highlands of Guatemala before reaching El Salvador's coastal volcanic chain.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTIn LAX's typical west-flow departure, the aircraft climbs out over the Pacific then banks south, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over the LA basin, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Santa Monica Bay before the turn. Right-side passengers mostly see open ocean during this maneuver.
Landing at SAL
LEFTOn approach into SAL, the descent path passes near the San Salvador Volcano and Lake Ilopango, both visible on the northeastern (left) side as the aircraft lines up with the single east-west runway. The right side mostly shows the flatter coastal plain and Pacific horizon.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to El Salvador International (SAL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to San Salvador. The left side offers the LA skyline on departure and volcanic terrain plus Lake Ilopango on arrival, while cruise over Mexico and Central America also keeps the Sierra Madre and Central American highlands on that side, giving more varied and dramatic scenery than the largely oceanic right side.
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, the aircraft climbs out over the Pacific then banks south, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view back over the LA basin, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Santa Monica Bay before the turn. Right-side passengers mostly see open ocean during this maneuver. Notable sights include: Los Angeles skyline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Santa Monica Bay, Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach.
What can I see when landing at El Salvador International in San Salvador?
When landing at El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into SAL, the descent path passes near the San Salvador Volcano and Lake Ilopango, both visible on the northeastern (left) side as the aircraft lines up with the single east-west runway. The right side mostly shows the flatter coastal plain and Pacific horizon. Notable sights include: San Salvador Volcano (Boquerón), Lake Ilopango, San Salvador metro area, coastal plain toward the Pacific.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Salvador?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to El Salvador International (SAL) takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,320 miles (3,734 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to San Salvador flight path pass over?
Route crosses the Mexican mainland along the Pacific slope, passing near the Sierra Madre del Sur and the volcanic highlands of Guatemala before reaching El Salvador's coastal volcanic chain.