Takeoff views from Long Beach are superior—the San Gabriel Mountains and LA basin provide more dramatic geography than the relatively flat approach into St. Louis. The westbound departure gives left-seat passengers the better visual experience.
Flown LGB to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Long Beach to St. Louis is 1,578 miles (2,539 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain around 2-3 hours into flight), then transitions into the Great Plains. The Colorado River is occasionally visible in northern Arizona/southern Nevada. The Ozark Plateau becomes visible approaching St. Louis, with its rolling, forested terrain contrasting sharply with the flat Mississippi River valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGB
LEFTLong Beach typically departs westbound (Runways 24L/24R), so left seats face north across Los Angeles County. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains rising inland and the sprawl of greater LA unfold beneath you during climb-out.
Landing at STL
RIGHTSt. Louis typically lands eastbound (Runways 30L/30R), so right seats face south during approach. You'll see the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders, the Gateway Arch on the riverfront, and the city's downtown core aligned along the river.
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 Long Beach (LGB) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Long Beach to St. Louis. Takeoff views from Long Beach are superior—the San Gabriel Mountains and LA basin provide more dramatic geography than the relatively flat approach into St. Louis. The westbound departure gives left-seat passengers the better visual experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Long Beach in Long Beach?
During takeoff from Long Beach (LGB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Long Beach typically departs westbound (Runways 24L/24R), so left seats face north across Los Angeles County. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains rising inland and the sprawl of greater LA unfold beneath you during climb-out. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (north), Los Angeles Harbor and breakwater (south), Long Beach urban grid (immediate), Pacific Ocean (west).
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. St. Louis typically lands eastbound (Runways 30L/30R), so right seats face south during approach. You'll see the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders, the Gateway Arch on the riverfront, and the city's downtown core aligned along the river. Notable sights include: Mississippi River with characteristic bends (south and west), Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis (south), Illinois bluffs (east), suburban sprawl (north and west).
How long is the flight from Long Beach to St. Louis?
The flight from Long Beach (LGB) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,578 miles (2,539 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Long Beach to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mojave Desert (visible as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain around 2-3 hours into flight), then transitions into the Great Plains. The Colorado River is occasionally visible in northern Arizona/southern Nevada. The Ozark Plateau becomes visible approaching St. Louis, with its rolling, forested terrain contrasting sharply with the flat Mississippi River valley.