The left side wins overall because it captures the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains and LA skyline at takeoff, plus a rare high-latitude glimpse of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic terrain during the long cruise — landmarks unmatched by the right side's more ocean-heavy, less varied views for most of the flight.
Flight Path
The great-circle route between LAX and TLV curves north over Canada and the North Atlantic, passing near the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland before continuing over the British Isles and continental Europe toward the eastern Mediterranean.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTDeparting LAX to the west, eastbound flights typically bank south then curve back east, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles skyline on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the Pacific and Palos Verdes Peninsula before the turn inland.
Landing at TLV
RIGHTOn the final approach into Ben Gurion during a westbound landing (runway 26), the turn onto final puts Tel Aviv's coastal skyline and the Mediterranean shoreline on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side faces inland toward flatter agricultural plains.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv. The left side wins overall because it captures the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains and LA skyline at takeoff, plus a rare high-latitude glimpse of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic terrain during the long cruise — landmarks unmatched by the right side's more ocean-heavy, less varied views for most of the flight.
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. Departing LAX to the west, eastbound flights typically bank south then curve back east, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles skyline on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly shows the Pacific and Palos Verdes Peninsula before the turn inland. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Fernando Valley, Griffith Park hills.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the final approach into Ben Gurion during a westbound landing (runway 26), the turn onto final puts Tel Aviv's coastal skyline and the Mediterranean shoreline on the right side of the aircraft, while the left side faces inland toward flatter agricultural plains. Notable sights include: Tel Aviv skyline, Mediterranean coastline, Yarkon River mouth, Herzliya marina.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes 15h 45m.
What does the Los Angeles to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
The great-circle route between LAX and TLV curves north over Canada and the North Atlantic, passing near the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland before continuing over the British Isles and continental Europe toward the eastern Mediterranean.