Both sides face over 12 hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, so the flight's scenic value comes almost entirely from the takeoff and landing sequences. The right side wins on both ends, with Manila Bay and Bataan visible at departure and the LA basin's mountains and skyline visible on arrival.
Flight Path
Vast open North Pacific Ocean; the route passes well north of Hawaii and south of the Aleutian chain, crossing thousands of miles of water with no significant landmasses visible for the majority of the crossing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
RIGHTDeparting NAIA, the right-side windows catch Manila Bay, the harbor traffic, and the Bataan Peninsula/Corregidor Island silhouette as the aircraft banks northward to begin its long climb over the Pacific. The left side mostly shows the dense Metro Manila sprawl with fewer distinct natural features.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the descent into LAX from the Pacific, arrivals typically cross the coast near Malibu/Santa Monica Bay before turning inland and looping back to approach from the northeast. This gives right-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin, including downtown LA's skyline, before the final turn out over the ocean for landing. Left-side passengers see mostly open ocean and less distinct coastline during this maneuver.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Los Angeles. Both sides face over 12 hours of open Pacific Ocean during cruise, so the flight's scenic value comes almost entirely from the takeoff and landing sequences. The right side wins on both ends, with Manila Bay and Bataan visible at departure and the LA basin's mountains and skyline visible on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing NAIA, the right-side windows catch Manila Bay, the harbor traffic, and the Bataan Peninsula/Corregidor Island silhouette as the aircraft banks northward to begin its long climb over the Pacific. The left side mostly shows the dense Metro Manila sprawl with fewer distinct natural features. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula, Metro Manila skyline.
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 descent into LAX from the Pacific, arrivals typically cross the coast near Malibu/Santa Monica Bay before turning inland and looping back to approach from the northeast. This gives right-side passengers a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin, including downtown LA's skyline, before the final turn out over the ocean for landing. Left-side passengers see mostly open ocean and less distinct coastline during this maneuver. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Santa Monica Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, San Gabriel Mountains.
How long is the flight from Manila to Los Angeles?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 13h 10m.
What does the Manila to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Vast open North Pacific Ocean; the route passes well north of Hawaii and south of the Aleutian chain, crossing thousands of miles of water with no significant landmasses visible for the majority of the crossing.