Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the Mississippi River and floodplain during departure, and during the long westbound cruise you'll see the Ozark Plateau terrain, then the Rockies (particularly the Colorado Front Range), before switching to left-side views for the final descent into LA. Right offers the strongest opening sequence.
Flown MEM to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Memphis to Los Angeles is 1,615 miles (2,600 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path westbound crosses the Ozark Plateau (visible as rolling, forested terrain), then transitions into the Great Plains. Around the midpoint near the Oklahoma-Texas panhandle border, you'll see the Canadian River valley. Further west, the Rocky Mountains become visible on the horizon—the Colorado Front Range near Denver is the most dramatic mountain feature visible from cruising altitude on this route. The terrain transitions from plains to high desert as you approach the California border, with the Sierra Nevada visible to the north before descending into the Los Angeles basin.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River and its floodplain as the aircraft climbs westward out of Memphis. The river's distinctive meandering pattern and surrounding wetlands are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into LAX. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the Pacific coastline with Santa Monica Bay as you descend toward the airport on the coastal plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Memphis International (MEM) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Memphis to Los Angeles. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the Mississippi River and floodplain during departure, and during the long westbound cruise you'll see the Ozark Plateau terrain, then the Rockies (particularly the Colorado Front Range), before switching to left-side views for the final descent into LA. Right offers the strongest opening sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Memphis International in Memphis?
During takeoff from Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mississippi River and its floodplain as the aircraft climbs westward out of Memphis. The river's distinctive meandering pattern and surrounding wetlands are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Memphis urban area, Shelby Farms (large reservoir east of the city), Tennessee-Arkansas border region.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into LAX. You'll see the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and east, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the Pacific coastline with Santa Monica Bay as you descend toward the airport on the coastal plain. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles basin urban grid, Santa Monica Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Memphis to Los Angeles?
The flight from Memphis International (MEM) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,615 miles (2,600 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Memphis to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path westbound crosses the Ozark Plateau (visible as rolling, forested terrain), then transitions into the Great Plains. Around the midpoint near the Oklahoma-Texas panhandle border, you'll see the Canadian River valley. Further west, the Rocky Mountains become visible on the horizon—the Colorado Front Range near Denver is the most dramatic mountain feature visible from cruising altitude on this route. The terrain transitions from plains to high desert as you approach the California border, with the Sierra Nevada visible to the north before descending into the Los Angeles basin.