Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both takeoff and landing. The departure over Port Phillip Bay and arrival over the Southern California coast and harbors provide genuine geographic variety and recognizable landmarks. Left side remains over relatively flat, featureless inland terrain for most of the flight, with minimal visual interest during both departure and arrival phases.
Flown MBW to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Los Angeles is 7,924 miles (12,752 km), a flight of about 15 hours 20 minutes.
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea with no significant landmarks visible for approximately 8 hours. The midpoint occurs over open ocean roughly 1,200 nautical miles east of New Zealand. Upon approaching the North American continent, passengers see the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin desert terrain, and eventually the Colorado Plateau. The route typically passes south of the Grand Canyon and north of the Mojave Desert before descending into Southern California.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
RIGHTRight side captures Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne coastline during initial climb, with the bay's distinctive shape and urban sprawl visible. Left side departs over inland suburbs with minimal visual interest.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTRight side offers the superior arrival experience. During typical westflow operations, the aircraft descends over the Pacific Ocean then approaches LAX from the west, giving right-side passengers views of the Southern California coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Long Beach harbor complex before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles. Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both takeoff and landing. The departure over Port Phillip Bay and arrival over the Southern California coast and harbors provide genuine geographic variety and recognizable landmarks. Left side remains over relatively flat, featureless inland terrain for most of the flight, with minimal visual interest during both departure and arrival phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne coastline during initial climb, with the bay's distinctive shape and urban sprawl visible. Left side departs over inland suburbs with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Dandenong Ranges to the east.
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 offers the superior arrival experience. During typical westflow operations, the aircraft descends over the Pacific Ocean then approaches LAX from the west, giving right-side passengers views of the Southern California coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Long Beach harbor complex before landing. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Long Beach Harbor, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 15 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,924 miles (12,752 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Tasman Sea with no significant landmarks visible for approximately 8 hours. The midpoint occurs over open ocean roughly 1,200 nautical miles east of New Zealand. Upon approaching the North American continent, passengers see the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Great Basin desert terrain, and eventually the Colorado Plateau. The route typically passes south of the Grand Canyon and north of the Mojave Desert before descending into Southern California.