The right side offers the only real landmark moments of the flight: a glimpse of Kansas City's skyline and river at departure, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the LA skyline on arrival, while the left side is dominated by flat plains and undistinguished suburbs.
Flown MCI to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kansas City to Los Angeles is 1,361 miles (2,190 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
High plains of eastern Colorado giving way to the piedmont near the Sangre de Cristo Range, followed by the high desert plateau of northern New Mexico and Arizona near Albuquerque and Flagstaff before descending toward the Mojave Desert and the Los Angeles basin
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCI
RIGHTDeparting MCI, the turn onto a westbound heading brings the Missouri River valley and the Kansas City downtown skyline into view on the right side, giving a brief but distinct urban and river landmark before the plains take over. The left side shows only featureless farmland.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the west-flow approach into LAX, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Valley, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown Los Angeles skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flatter South Bay suburbs before the ocean.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kansas City International (MCI) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kansas City to Los Angeles. The right side offers the only real landmark moments of the flight: a glimpse of Kansas City's skyline and river at departure, and the San Gabriel Mountains with the LA skyline on arrival, while the left side is dominated by flat plains and undistinguished suburbs.
What can I see during takeoff from Kansas City International in Kansas City?
During takeoff from Kansas City International (MCI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MCI, the turn onto a westbound heading brings the Missouri River valley and the Kansas City downtown skyline into view on the right side, giving a brief but distinct urban and river landmark before the plains take over. The left side shows only featureless farmland. Notable sights include: Missouri River, Kansas City downtown skyline, Kansas City International terminal loop.
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. On the west-flow approach into LAX, the descent path crosses the San Gabriel Valley, putting the San Gabriel Mountains and the downtown Los Angeles skyline on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mostly shows flatter South Bay suburbs before the ocean. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, San Fernando Valley edge.
How long is the flight from Kansas City to Los Angeles?
The flight from Kansas City International (MCI) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,361 miles (2,190 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kansas City to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
High plains of eastern Colorado giving way to the piedmont near the Sangre de Cristo Range, followed by the high desert plateau of northern New Mexico and Arizona near Albuquerque and Flagstaff before descending toward the Mojave Desert and the Los Angeles basin