The right side wins both the departure sequence, with LA basin and mountain views, and the arrival sequence, with Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario, while the left side spends most of takeoff and landing over featureless suburban or plains terrain.
Flight Path
The great-circle track from LAX to YYZ crosses the Mojave Desert, the southern Rocky Mountains near Colorado, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, and the southern edge of the Great Lakes region before descending toward Lake Ontario.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTEastbound departures from LAX climb out over the Pacific then bank north and east back across the Los Angeles basin. This turn puts the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains on the right side of the aircraft as it lines up for the transcontinental track.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTPearson's typical southwest-flow arrivals bring aircraft in from the southwest over Lake Ontario before turning onto final for the 24L/24R runways. That final turn places downtown Toronto's skyline and the lake shoreline on the right side of the cabin.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Toronto. The right side wins both the departure sequence, with LA basin and mountain views, and the arrival sequence, with Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario, while the left side spends most of takeoff and landing over featureless suburban or plains terrain.
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. Eastbound departures from LAX climb out over the Pacific then bank north and east back across the Los Angeles basin. This turn puts the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills, and the San Gabriel Mountains on the right side of the aircraft as it lines up for the transcontinental track. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Pearson's typical southwest-flow arrivals bring aircraft in from the southwest over Lake Ontario before turning onto final for the 24L/24R runways. That final turn places downtown Toronto's skyline and the lake shoreline on the right side of the cabin. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Pearson's runway complex.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Toronto?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes 4h 20m.
What does the Los Angeles to Toronto flight path pass over?
The great-circle track from LAX to YYZ crosses the Mojave Desert, the southern Rocky Mountains near Colorado, the Great Plains of Nebraska and Iowa, and the southern edge of the Great Lakes region before descending toward Lake Ontario.