The right side delivers the more dramatic and varied visual experience: the LA Basin panorama on departure is one of the most visually rich urban takeoffs in the world. The landing view from the left is excellent but the right side wins overall due to the takeoff spectacle. Over the Pacific and Aleutian arc, neither side has a significant advantage, so the departure experience tips the balance.
Flown LAX to SSN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Seoul East is 5,955 miles (9,583 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The great circle route arcs northward over the northeastern Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain (faintly visible on clear days as a string of volcanic islands), then crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula with its snow-covered stratovolcanoes, before descending over the Sea of Japan and the Korean Peninsula. The route stays largely over open ocean for the majority of the flight with limited land features until the Japanese archipelago appears on the horizon during descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX typically departs westbound over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. A right-side seat gives you the sweep back over the LA Basin, with the Santa Monica Mountains, downtown LA skyline, and the San Gabriel Mountains visible as the aircraft banks. Left side faces open ocean during initial climb.
Landing at SSN
LEFTSeoul Ab (K-16) sits southeast of Seoul. Approaches typically come in from the east or southeast, meaning a left-side seat looks northwest toward central Seoul, the Han River, and the surrounding mountain ridges including Bukhansan. Right side faces rural hills east of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Seoul Ab (SSN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Seoul East. The right side delivers the more dramatic and varied visual experience: the LA Basin panorama on departure is one of the most visually rich urban takeoffs in the world. The landing view from the left is excellent but the right side wins overall due to the takeoff spectacle. Over the Pacific and Aleutian arc, neither side has a significant advantage, so the departure experience tips the balance.
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 westbound over the Pacific on runways 24L/24R, then turns north. A right-side seat gives you the sweep back over the LA Basin, with the Santa Monica Mountains, downtown LA skyline, and the San Gabriel Mountains visible as the aircraft banks. Left side faces open ocean during initial climb. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Downtown LA skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Catalina Island.
What can I see when landing at Seoul Ab in Seoul East?
When landing at Seoul Ab (SSN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Seoul Ab (K-16) sits southeast of Seoul. Approaches typically come in from the east or southeast, meaning a left-side seat looks northwest toward central Seoul, the Han River, and the surrounding mountain ridges including Bukhansan. Right side faces rural hills east of the city. Notable sights include: Han River, Central Seoul urban grid, Bukhansan ridgeline, Namsan hill.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Seoul East?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Seoul Ab (SSN) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,955 miles (9,583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Seoul East flight path pass over?
The great circle route arcs northward over the northeastern Pacific, passing south of the Aleutian Island chain (faintly visible on clear days as a string of volcanic islands), then crosses the Kamchatka Peninsula with its snow-covered stratovolcanoes, before descending over the Sea of Japan and the Korean Peninsula. The route stays largely over open ocean for the majority of the flight with limited land features until the Japanese archipelago appears on the horizon during descent.