While the takeoff favors the right side with its coastal views, the left side wins overall thanks to a more dramatic and varied landing sequence over the Texas Hill Country's terrain, combined with occasional mountain views over southern Arizona and New Mexico during cruise that are more visible from the north-facing side of the aircraft.
Flight Path
Sonoran Desert and scattered mountain ranges of southern Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and the flat scrubland of West Texas
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX departures in the typical west-flow pattern climb out directly over the Pacific before banking toward Texas, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Santa Monica Bay, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the coastline before the turn inland. Left-side passengers get a brief glimpse of the LA basin and San Gabriel foothills but mostly haze and rooftops.
Landing at SAT
LEFTArriving into SAT from the northwest, the approach descends over the rolling Texas Hill Country with its limestone ridges, cedar-covered hills, and reservoir lakes visible on the left side before the turn onto final for 13R/13L. The right side mostly shows flatter agricultural land south of the city with less texture.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Antonio International (SAT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to San Antonio. While the takeoff favors the right side with its coastal views, the left side wins overall thanks to a more dramatic and varied landing sequence over the Texas Hill Country's terrain, combined with occasional mountain views over southern Arizona and New Mexico during cruise that are more visible from the north-facing side of the aircraft.
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 in the typical west-flow pattern climb out directly over the Pacific before banking toward Texas, giving right-side passengers a clear view of Santa Monica Bay, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the coastline before the turn inland. Left-side passengers get a brief glimpse of the LA basin and San Gabriel foothills but mostly haze and rooftops. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Pacific coastline, LA basin skyline.
What can I see when landing at San Antonio International in San Antonio?
When landing at San Antonio International (SAT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving into SAT from the northwest, the approach descends over the rolling Texas Hill Country with its limestone ridges, cedar-covered hills, and reservoir lakes visible on the left side before the turn onto final for 13R/13L. The right side mostly shows flatter agricultural land south of the city with less texture. Notable sights include: Texas Hill Country ridges, Medina Lake area, Canyon Lake, San Antonio northern suburbs.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to San Antonio?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to San Antonio International (SAT) takes 2h 50m.
What does the Los Angeles to San Antonio flight path pass over?
Sonoran Desert and scattered mountain ranges of southern Arizona, the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, and the flat scrubland of West Texas