The right side wins overall because the LAX arrival over the Santa Monica coastline and Los Angeles Basin is one of the most visually dramatic urban approaches in the world. The Madrid departure on the left is excellent, but the LA arrival delivers more sustained visual interest during the long descent over recognizable geography.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwest from Madrid across northern Spain, then over the Atlantic crossing the Azores region at around 39N. It crosses Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes, then arcs southwest over the northeastern United States before crossing the Rockies and Mojave Desert into Southern California. The Sierra Nevada range and Mojave Desert scrubland are visible in the final hour before descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
LEFTBarajas typically departs westbound on runway 32L/32R, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward central Madrid and the Sierra de Guadarrama. You get a clear view of the city grid and the mountain range rising behind it as you climb out.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX lands predominantly on the north complex runways (24L/24R) heading west toward the Pacific, or on south runways in the same direction. Right-side seats face north, giving views over Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles Basin as you descend over the coast.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Los Angeles. The right side wins overall because the LAX arrival over the Santa Monica coastline and Los Angeles Basin is one of the most visually dramatic urban approaches in the world. The Madrid departure on the left is excellent, but the LA arrival delivers more sustained visual interest during the long descent over recognizable geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Barajas typically departs westbound on runway 32L/32R, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward central Madrid and the Sierra de Guadarrama. You get a clear view of the city grid and the mountain range rising behind it as you climb out. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped ridge to the south), central Madrid urban grid including the Manzanares river corridor, Parque del Retiro visible as a rectangular green patch, Casa de Campo parkland west of the city center.
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 lands predominantly on the north complex runways (24L/24R) heading west toward the Pacific, or on south runways in the same direction. Right-side seats face north, giving views over Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Los Angeles Basin as you descend over the coast. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline and beach strip, Santa Monica Mountains running east-west inland, downtown Los Angeles skyline visible to the northeast in the distance, Malibu coastline stretching northwest along the horizon.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Los Angeles?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours westbound.
What does the Madrid to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest from Madrid across northern Spain, then over the Atlantic crossing the Azores region at around 39N. It crosses Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes, then arcs southwest over the northeastern United States before crossing the Rockies and Mojave Desert into Southern California. The Sierra Nevada range and Mojave Desert scrubland are visible in the final hour before descent.