While the takeoff favors the right side for Missouri River views, the landing approach to LAX from the left provides superior scenery of the San Gabriel Mountains and Pacific coastline—the most visually striking features of this route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown MOT to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minot to Los Angeles is 1,326 miles (2,134 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Over Wyoming and Utah, the flight passes near the Bighorn Mountains (north-central Wyoming), then crosses the Wasatch Range (Utah), and approaches the Colorado Plateau. The Great Salt Lake may be visible to the north if the flight path allows. As the flight descends into southern California, the Mojave Desert dominates the landscape before the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains appear. The transition from high desert to coastal basin is dramatic and visible from altitude.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MOT
RIGHTClimbing out westbound from Minot, the right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the rolling prairie terrain that defines central North Dakota. The left side faces back toward Minot and relatively featureless plains.
Landing at LAX
LEFTOn final approach to LAX from the east, the left side provides excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the Pacific coastline. The right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minot International (MOT) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minot to Los Angeles. While the takeoff favors the right side for Missouri River views, the landing approach to LAX from the left provides superior scenery of the San Gabriel Mountains and Pacific coastline—the most visually striking features of this route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Minot International in Minot?
During takeoff from Minot International (MOT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out westbound from Minot, the right side offers views of the Missouri River valley and the rolling prairie terrain that defines central North Dakota. The left side faces back toward Minot and relatively featureless plains. Notable sights include: Missouri River (visible as a meandering ribbon below), Souris River confluence, rolling glacial terrain of north-central North Dakota, scattered agricultural fields in geometric patterns.
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. On final approach to LAX from the east, the left side provides excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Los Angeles basin sprawl, and the Pacific coastline. The right side faces inland toward less visually distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (snow-capped peaks visible to the north), Los Angeles basin urban grid, Pacific Ocean coastline, Santa Monica Bay.
How long is the flight from Minot to Los Angeles?
The flight from Minot International (MOT) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,326 miles (2,134 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minot to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Over Wyoming and Utah, the flight passes near the Bighorn Mountains (north-central Wyoming), then crosses the Wasatch Range (Utah), and approaches the Colorado Plateau. The Great Salt Lake may be visible to the north if the flight path allows. As the flight descends into southern California, the Mojave Desert dominates the landscape before the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains appear. The transition from high desert to coastal basin is dramatic and visible from altitude.