While takeoff offers excellent Paris geography from the left, the landing view from the right provides more dramatic and visually distinctive features—the San Gabriel Mountains and Pacific coastline are far more striking than the relatively flat Île-de-France departure region. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown LBG to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Los Angeles is 5,655 miles (9,100 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Atlantic over the North Atlantic basin (no visible landmarks at cruise altitude). Notable geographic waypoints include: Greenland's southern tip (visible on clear days during northbound routing), Canadian Maritime provinces and Great Lakes region (if routed south of typical tracks), Rocky Mountains (visible as a distant ridge during descent into western North America), and the Sierra Nevada range (visible on approach to California). Most of the mid-Atlantic crossing occurs over open ocean with no visible surface features.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBG
LEFTLe Bourget typically departs runway 26 (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Seine's northern loops, Montmartre's elevated terrain, and the Île-de-France suburban sprawl spreading northward. Right seats face the opposite direction toward less distinctive southern suburbs.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX typically lands runway 25L or 25R (westbound approach). Right seats on descent face north, capturing the San Gabriel Mountains' eastern escarpment, the Los Angeles basin grid, and the Pacific coastline with Santa Monica Bay. Left seats face inland toward less visually distinctive areas.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Le Bourget (LBG) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Los Angeles. While takeoff offers excellent Paris geography from the left, the landing view from the right provides more dramatic and visually distinctive features—the San Gabriel Mountains and Pacific coastline are far more striking than the relatively flat Île-de-France departure region. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Le Bourget in Paris?
During takeoff from Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Le Bourget typically departs runway 26 (westbound). Left seats face north during initial climb, giving direct views of the Seine's northern loops, Montmartre's elevated terrain, and the Île-de-France suburban sprawl spreading northward. Right seats face the opposite direction toward less distinctive southern suburbs. Notable sights include: Seine River (multiple meanders visible), Montmartre basilica area (elevated white structures), Île-de-France forest patches, Charles de Gaulle Airport complex (visible to the southeast as runway infrastructure).
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX typically lands runway 25L or 25R (westbound approach). Right seats on descent face north, capturing the San Gabriel Mountains' eastern escarpment, the Los Angeles basin grid, and the Pacific coastline with Santa Monica Bay. Left seats face inland toward less visually distinctive areas. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (snow-capped peaks on horizon during winter/spring), Los Angeles downtown skyline (visible as clustered vertical elements), Santa Monica Bay and Pacific coastline, Long Beach port facilities (visible as geometric container yard).
How long is the flight from Paris to Los Angeles?
The flight from Le Bourget (LBG) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,655 miles (9,100 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Atlantic over the North Atlantic basin (no visible landmarks at cruise altitude). Notable geographic waypoints include: Greenland's southern tip (visible on clear days during northbound routing), Canadian Maritime provinces and Great Lakes region (if routed south of typical tracks), Rocky Mountains (visible as a distant ridge during descent into western North America), and the Sierra Nevada range (visible on approach to California). Most of the mid-Atlantic crossing occurs over open ocean with no visible surface features.