About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to St. Louis. The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff view over the LA basin and San Gabriel Mountains, and while it misses the Gateway Arch on landing, the departure scenery is significantly more compelling. Mid-flight over the Mojave, Arizona high desert, and New Mexico, neither side has a decisive advantage, but the right side also catches better views of the Mojave Desert terrain and the Colorado River crossing.
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 Mountains, the Hollywood Hills, and downtown LA's skyline as you climb out over the basin. The left side faces south toward the ocean and the relatively flat South Bay. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Observatory area, San Gabriel Mountains on the horizon.
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. STL approaches from the west on runways 12L/12R or from the east on runways 30L/30R. On a westbound approach into STL, the left side gives you the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch, and the St. Louis urban core. The right side faces north toward the Missouri River confluence and suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Gateway Arch, Missouri River confluence, St. Louis urban grid.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to St. Louis?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Los Angeles to St. Louis flight path pass over?
Mojave Desert and its dry lake beds east of LA, the Colorado River crossing near Needles CA, the Arizona high desert plateau, the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest region in northeastern Arizona, the Rio Puerco valley in New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle grasslands, the Ozark Plateau in southern Missouri with its forested ridges and river valleys visible on descent