The right (north) side wins both the London departure, with its skyline views, and the LAX arrival, with mountain and city views, while the long transatlantic cruise is largely symmetrical ocean on both sides. The added chance of seeing Greenland's coastal terrain on the northern great-circle route further favors the right side.
Flown LCY to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Los Angeles is 5,458 miles (8,784 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Southern Greenland's icy coastline and fjords, the Labrador Sea, Hudson Bay's shoreline, and the northern Great Plains before the Rocky Mountains come into view on the final approach to California
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTDeparting LCY on runway 27, the climb-out tracks west along the Thames, and the north (right) side gives a clear view of Canary Wharf's towers, Tower Bridge, and the City of London skyline. The south (left) side only shows Greenwich and the O2 Arena, which are far less distinctive.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTIn LAX's typical west-flow arrival, the approach comes in from the east over the LA basin, and the north (right) side reveals the San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Observatory, and the downtown Los Angeles skyline before the final turn to the coast. The south (left) side mainly shows flatter South Bay suburbs and the ocean with less variety.
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 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. The right (north) side wins both the London departure, with its skyline views, and the LAX arrival, with mountain and city views, while the long transatlantic cruise is largely symmetrical ocean on both sides. The added chance of seeing Greenland's coastal terrain on the northern great-circle route further favors the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LCY on runway 27, the climb-out tracks west along the Thames, and the north (right) side gives a clear view of Canary Wharf's towers, Tower Bridge, and the City of London skyline. The south (left) side only shows Greenwich and the O2 Arena, which are far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Canary Wharf skyscrapers, Tower Bridge, City of London skyline, the Thames bends through Docklands.
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. In LAX's typical west-flow arrival, the approach comes in from the east over the LA basin, and the north (right) side reveals the San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Observatory, and the downtown Los Angeles skyline before the final turn to the coast. The south (left) side mainly shows flatter South Bay suburbs and the ocean with less variety. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Griffith Observatory/Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Bay coastline.
How long is the flight from London to Los Angeles?
The flight from City (LCY) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,458 miles (8,784 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Southern Greenland's icy coastline and fjords, the Labrador Sea, Hudson Bay's shoreline, and the northern Great Plains before the Rocky Mountains come into view on the final approach to California