Left side scores higher due to the exceptional takeoff experience from LAX—the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, and urban-coastal contrast create dramatic scenery that outweighs the landing advantage on the right. The cruise segment over central California and Nevada offers moderate terrain variety on both sides, but the superior LAX departure gives left the edge overall.
Flown LAX to SUN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Hailey is 697 miles (1,121 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Sierra Nevada mountains (visible to the right during cruise over central California), Mono Lake basin, Nevada high desert plateau, Owens Valley, and the transition from California's coastal ranges to the Great Basin's open terrain. The flight path crosses the Sierra crest around the Mammoth Lakes area before descending into Nevada's high desert and approaching the Sawtooth Range from the southwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft side captures the Los Angeles basin, Pacific coastline, and Santa Monica Mountains during departure. The urban sprawl of greater LA and the dramatic coastal escarpment provide immediate visual interest that right side cannot match.
Landing at SUN
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Hailey. The descent reveals the Wood River Valley, the Sawtooth Mountains to the north, and the dramatic high-altitude terrain surrounding the airport. Left side faces open terrain with less distinctive features during final approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Hailey. Left side scores higher due to the exceptional takeoff experience from LAX—the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, and urban-coastal contrast create dramatic scenery that outweighs the landing advantage on the right. The cruise segment over central California and Nevada offers moderate terrain variety on both sides, but the superior LAX departure gives left the edge overall.
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. Left side captures the Los Angeles basin, Pacific coastline, and Santa Monica Mountains during departure. The urban sprawl of greater LA and the dramatic coastal escarpment provide immediate visual interest that right side cannot match. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Malibu coast.
What can I see when landing at Friedman Memorial Airport in Hailey?
When landing at Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Hailey. The descent reveals the Wood River Valley, the Sawtooth Mountains to the north, and the dramatic high-altitude terrain surrounding the airport. Left side faces open terrain with less distinctive features during final approach. Notable sights include: Sawtooth Mountains, Wood River Valley, Bald Mountain, Friedman Memorial Airport runway.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Hailey?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Friedman Memorial Airport (SUN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 697 miles (1,121 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Hailey flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada mountains (visible to the right during cruise over central California), Mono Lake basin, Nevada high desert plateau, Owens Valley, and the transition from California's coastal ranges to the Great Basin's open terrain. The flight path crosses the Sierra crest around the Mammoth Lakes area before descending into Nevada's high desert and approaching the Sawtooth Range from the southwest.