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 wins overall because the spectacular volcanic landscape on descent into SAL is the visual highlight of the entire flight. While the right side has the better LAX departure view, the left side also captures the Central American Pacific coastline during cruise descent and the dramatic Salvadoran volcanic chain on approach, which is genuinely one of the more striking landing approaches in the region.
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 southeast on runways 24L/24R initially go westward before turning, but most southbound departures use runways 25L/25R heading west then banking south. The right side captures the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island as the aircraft turns south over the Pacific. The left side faces inland toward the LA basin smog and urban sprawl. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Catalina Island (on clear days), Long Beach Harbor.
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. SAL approaches typically come in from the Pacific side heading northeast onto runway 07. The left side gives you the Pacific coast of El Salvador and Guatemala as you descend, plus the volcanic chain including San Miguel and Santa Ana volcanoes. The right side faces inland toward Honduras. Notable sights include: Pacific coast of El Salvador, Santa Ana Volcano (Ilamatepec), San Salvador Volcano (El Boquerón), Gulf of Fonseca in the distance.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Salvador?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to El Salvador International (SAL) takes Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
What does the Los Angeles to San Salvador flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the Pacific Ocean off the Mexican coast, passing well offshore of the Baja California Peninsula. Around the midpoint the aircraft is over open Pacific waters off the coast of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico. As the flight descends toward Central America, the coast of Guatemala becomes visible, followed by the Gulf of Fonseca and the chain of Central American volcanoes running parallel to the Pacific coast through Guatemala and El Salvador.