While the LAX departure favors the right side for its city and mountain views, the long cruise brings the left side face-to-face with the Greenland ice cap and Arctic Canada's fjorded coastline, and the Zurich approach delivers a clear Alpine panorama — together outweighing the brief takeoff advantage on the right.
Flown LAX to ZRH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Zurich is 5,925 miles (9,535 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
Rocky Mountain foothills, Canadian prairies, Hudson Bay, southern Greenland ice sheet and coastal fjords, North Atlantic, North Sea approach into continental Europe
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTLAX's west-flow departure sends the aircraft out over the Pacific before a climbing right turn back over the city, putting the right side toward downtown LA, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the edge of the Mojave as the plane straightens onto its northeast heading.
Landing at ZRH
LEFTOn the typical runway 28 approach into Zurich, the aircraft descends from the east and lines up heading west, putting the Alps and Lake Zurich on the left side during the final descent, a far more dramatic view than the flat farmland visible to the north on the right.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Zurich. While the LAX departure favors the right side for its city and mountain views, the long cruise brings the left side face-to-face with the Greenland ice cap and Arctic Canada's fjorded coastline, and the Zurich approach delivers a clear Alpine panorama — together outweighing the brief takeoff advantage on the right.
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. LAX's west-flow departure sends the aircraft out over the Pacific before a climbing right turn back over the city, putting the right side toward downtown LA, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the edge of the Mojave as the plane straightens onto its northeast heading. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains, Antelope Valley/Mojave Desert fringe.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical runway 28 approach into Zurich, the aircraft descends from the east and lines up heading west, putting the Alps and Lake Zurich on the left side during the final descent, a far more dramatic view than the flat farmland visible to the north on the right. Notable sights include: Glarus Alps peaks, Lake Zurich, Swiss Plateau farmland, outskirts of Zurich city.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Zurich?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Zurich (ZRH) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,925 miles (9,535 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Zurich flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain foothills, Canadian prairies, Hudson Bay, southern Greenland ice sheet and coastal fjords, North Atlantic, North Sea approach into continental Europe