While the right side offers better takeoff scenery over the Atlantic and Hampton Roads, the left side provides superior landing views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles basin—the most visually distinctive portion of this cross-country route. The mountains offer more dramatic relief than the coastal plains of Virginia.
Flown ORF to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Norfolk to Los Angeles is 2,366 miles (3,808 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible from altitude as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest through West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee), the Mississippi River valley (a broad, flat expanse with the river visible as a meandering line during clear conditions), the Great Plains (extensive flat terrain with grid-pattern farmland visible in the midwest), and the Rocky Mountains (appearing as a major elevation change with visible peaks and valleys in Colorado and Utah before descending toward the desert Southwest and California)
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORF
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and the Hampton Roads waterway during initial climb. The left side faces inland toward relatively flat terrain with fewer distinctive features.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin during descent. The right side faces the Pacific Ocean but lacks the dramatic terrain and urban geography visible on the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Norfolk International (ORF) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Norfolk to Los Angeles. While the right side offers better takeoff scenery over the Atlantic and Hampton Roads, the left side provides superior landing views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Los Angeles basin—the most visually distinctive portion of this cross-country route. The mountains offer more dramatic relief than the coastal plains of Virginia.
What can I see during takeoff from Norfolk International in Norfolk?
During takeoff from Norfolk International (ORF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and the Hampton Roads waterway during initial climb. The left side faces inland toward relatively flat terrain with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Hampton Roads (major naval anchorage and shipping channel), Atlantic Ocean coastline, Chesapeake Bay mouth, Virginia Beach urban area.
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 of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles basin during descent. The right side faces the Pacific Ocean but lacks the dramatic terrain and urban geography visible on the left. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles downtown skyline, San Fernando Valley, Pacific coastline.
How long is the flight from Norfolk to Los Angeles?
The flight from Norfolk International (ORF) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,366 miles (3,808 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Norfolk to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible from altitude as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest through West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee), the Mississippi River valley (a broad, flat expanse with the river visible as a meandering line during clear conditions), the Great Plains (extensive flat terrain with grid-pattern farmland visible in the midwest), and the Rocky Mountains (appearing as a major elevation change with visible peaks and valleys in Colorado and Utah before descending toward the desert Southwest and California)