Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo flight pathLAXZIH

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time3h 35m
Distance1,540
Heading133° → 140°

Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo is 1,540 miles (2,479 km), a flight of about 3 hours 35 minutes.

Best side
RightMostly right

While takeoff offers good views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and Zihuatanejo Bay are visually striking and the primary scenic payoff for this route.

Takeoff · LAXLEFTSanta Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Los Angeles basin urban grid
Landing · ZIHRIGHTSierra Madre del Sur mountains, Pacific Ocean, Zihuatanejo Bay

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Baja California peninsula (distant to the east), Pacific coastline of Nayarit and Jalisco states, Sierra Madre Occidental mountains (far inland to the east)

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Los Angeles (left side) — Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Catalina Island (distant)

Takeoff from LAX

LEFT

Left seats offer clear views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as you climb out westbound over the ocean. You'll see the LA basin sprawl and coastal cities receding beneath you.

Santa Monica MountainsPacific Ocean coastlineLos Angeles basin urban gridCatalina Island

Landing at ZIH

RIGHT

Right seats provide excellent views of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the Pacific coastline as you descend toward Zihuatanejo. The rugged terrain and coastal geography are most visible from the right side on approach.

Sierra Madre del Sur mountainsPacific OceanZihuatanejo BayIxtapa coastal development

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International (ZIH)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo. While takeoff offers good views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and Zihuatanejo Bay are visually striking and the primary scenic payoff for this route.

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 seats offer clear views of the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as you climb out westbound over the ocean. You'll see the LA basin sprawl and coastal cities receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Catalina Island (distant).

What can I see when landing at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International in Zihuatanejo?

When landing at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International (ZIH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and the Pacific coastline as you descend toward Zihuatanejo. The rugged terrain and coastal geography are most visible from the right side on approach. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, Pacific Ocean, Zihuatanejo Bay, Ixtapa coastal development.

How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo?

The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International (ZIH) takes about 3 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,540 miles (2,479 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Los Angeles to Zihuatanejo flight path pass over?

Baja California peninsula (distant to the east), Pacific coastline of Nayarit and Jalisco states, Sierra Madre Occidental mountains (far inland to the east)