While takeoff offers excellent atoll scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied views: the Pacific coastline, major metropolitan sprawl, and the San Gabriel Mountains create a more visually compelling final descent than the relatively uniform ocean crossing.
Flown MLE to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Male to Los Angeles is 9,689 miles (15,593 km), a flight of about 15 hours 20 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean for approximately 7,000 nautical miles, passing over open water with no significant visible landmarks. The aircraft will cross the equator roughly 4-5 hours into the flight. Around the midpoint (7-8 hours), the flight passes south of the Hawaiian Islands (not visible from typical cruise altitude and flight path). The remainder is open Pacific Ocean until approaching the North American coast near California, where the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the eastern horizon before descent into Los Angeles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MLE
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Indian Ocean and the atoll chain extending south and east from Male. The aircraft departs northeastward initially before turning west, so right windows capture the turquoise lagoons and coral atolls that define the Maldives geography.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the California coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Los Angeles basin during descent into LAX. The aircraft approaches from the west over the Pacific, so left windows face inland toward the city and coastal mountains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Male International (MLE) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Male to Los Angeles. While takeoff offers excellent atoll scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and varied views: the Pacific coastline, major metropolitan sprawl, and the San Gabriel Mountains create a more visually compelling final descent than the relatively uniform ocean crossing.
What can I see during takeoff from Male International in Male?
During takeoff from Male International (MLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Indian Ocean and the atoll chain extending south and east from Male. The aircraft departs northeastward initially before turning west, so right windows capture the turquoise lagoons and coral atolls that define the Maldives geography. Notable sights include: Male City and harbor (directly below during initial climb), Ari Atoll (southeast, visible as concentric coral rings), Indian Ocean (open water to the east and south), North Male Atoll (immediate vicinity).
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 views of the California coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Los Angeles basin during descent into LAX. The aircraft approaches from the west over the Pacific, so left windows face inland toward the city and coastal mountains. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay and Pacific coastline (immediate left), Los Angeles basin sprawl (inland), San Gabriel Mountains (northeast horizon), Long Beach and harbor (southeast).
How long is the flight from Male to Los Angeles?
The flight from Male International (MLE) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 15 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,689 miles (15,593 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Male to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Indian Ocean for approximately 7,000 nautical miles, passing over open water with no significant visible landmarks. The aircraft will cross the equator roughly 4-5 hours into the flight. Around the midpoint (7-8 hours), the flight passes south of the Hawaiian Islands (not visible from typical cruise altitude and flight path). The remainder is open Pacific Ocean until approaching the North American coast near California, where the Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the eastern horizon before descent into Los Angeles.