The left side wins on the strength of the dramatic LA basin and mountain departure sequence, which offers more terrain variety and named landmarks than the flatter cruise segment, even though Montreal's landing view on the right is attractive in its own right.
Flown LAX to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Montreal is 2,468 miles (3,973 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains foothills over Colorado, the flat expanse of the Great Plains, the Great Lakes region near Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, and the Adirondack Mountains before the descent into Montreal
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLAX eastbound departures typically climb out over the Pacific before banking back across the LA basin, giving north-side (left) passengers a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and the edge of the Mojave as the aircraft turns east. The right side mostly sees the fading coastline and South Bay before the turn.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTOn the southwest-flow approach into YUL, arriving flights are typically vectored over the south shore of the St. Lawrence before turning onto final for runway 24, putting downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and the river on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly faces open farmland north of the approach path.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Montreal. The left side wins on the strength of the dramatic LA basin and mountain departure sequence, which offers more terrain variety and named landmarks than the flatter cruise segment, even though Montreal's landing view on the right is attractive in its own right.
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. LAX eastbound departures typically climb out over the Pacific before banking back across the LA basin, giving north-side (left) passengers a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, and the edge of the Mojave as the aircraft turns east. The right side mostly sees the fading coastline and South Bay before the turn. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley, Griffith Park/Hollywood Hills, Mojave Desert edge.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the southwest-flow approach into YUL, arriving flights are typically vectored over the south shore of the St. Lawrence before turning onto final for runway 24, putting downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and the river on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly faces open farmland north of the approach path. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, downtown Montreal skyline, Olympic Stadium tower.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Montreal?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,468 miles (3,973 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Montreal flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains foothills over Colorado, the flat expanse of the Great Plains, the Great Lakes region near Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, and the Adirondack Mountains before the descent into Montreal