The left side offers the dramatic cross-country cruise views of the Appalachians, Great Plains, Rockies, and the striking LA basin approach with mountains and skyline, while the right side is mostly featureless plains and desert until a brief coastal glimpse at landing.
Flown LGA to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Los Angeles is 2,464 miles (3,965 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
Appalachian Mountains, Mississippi River, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Mojave Desert
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGA
RIGHTDeparting LGA on runway 22 heading northeast then turning southwest, right-side passengers get a good look back at the Manhattan skyline and Long Island Sound before the turn west.
Landing at LAX
LEFTOn the westbound approach into LAX during standard west-flow operations, the aircraft descends over the Los Angeles basin, giving left-side passengers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA skyline before the final turn out over Santa Monica Bay toward the runways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from La Guardia (LGA) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Los Angeles. The left side offers the dramatic cross-country cruise views of the Appalachians, Great Plains, Rockies, and the striking LA basin approach with mountains and skyline, while the right side is mostly featureless plains and desert until a brief coastal glimpse at landing.
What can I see during takeoff from La Guardia in New York?
During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LGA on runway 22 heading northeast then turning southwest, right-side passengers get a good look back at the Manhattan skyline and Long Island Sound before the turn west. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the westbound approach into LAX during standard west-flow operations, the aircraft descends over the Los Angeles basin, giving left-side passengers views of the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown LA skyline before the final turn out over Santa Monica Bay toward the runways. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Santa Monica Bay, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from New York to Los Angeles?
The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,464 miles (3,965 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains, Mississippi River, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, Mojave Desert