While the left side offers interesting North Sea and estuary views during departure, the right side during descent into Los Angeles provides far more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains, urban basin, and port infrastructure. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no major visible landmarks; Greenland ice sheet visible on northerly routes; Canadian Maritime provinces and Great Lakes region if routed south; Rocky Mountains visible during approach to North American airspace; Great Plains and high desert terrain across western United States
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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 City (LCY) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Los Angeles. While the left side offers interesting North Sea and estuary views during departure, the right side during descent into Los Angeles provides far more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the San Gabriel Mountains, urban basin, and port infrastructure. The landing views outweigh the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Thames estuary and North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs westward out of London City. Right side faces inland toward Essex and offers less distinctive scenery during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Isle of Sheppey, Kent marshlands.
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. Right side provides views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin during descent into LAX. The mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the north and east, while the sprawling city grid and coastal plain are visible below. Left side faces the Pacific Ocean with less distinctive urban and topographic features. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Long Beach port, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Los Angeles?
The flight from City (LCY) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 10h 15m.
What does the London to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Transatlantic crossing over the North Atlantic with no major visible landmarks; Greenland ice sheet visible on northerly routes; Canadian Maritime provinces and Great Lakes region if routed south; Rocky Mountains visible during approach to North American airspace; Great Plains and high desert terrain across western United States