Paris to Los Angeles is 5,663 miles (9,114 km), a flight of about 11 hours 15 minutes.
The right side edges ahead because it captures the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains during the LAX approach and the chance for glimpses of Greenland's southern ice sheet and Canada's rugged Labrador coast during the long transatlantic and transcontinental cruise, giving it more terrain variety than the left, which is strongest mainly at takeoff.
Flight Path
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, the Labrador Sea, and the rugged coastline of eastern Canada near Newfoundland, followed by the vast boreal forests and lake-studded terrain of central Canada
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORY
LEFTDeparting Orly, the initial climb typically arcs over central Paris before the aircraft turns onto its westbound track, putting the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's loops, and the La Défense skyline on the left side of the cabin. It's a brief but genuinely scenic urban view before the route heads out toward the Channel.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTOn the standard west-flow approach into LAX, aircraft descend from the east across the Los Angeles basin, and the San Gabriel Mountains dominate the view on the right side of the plane as the city spreads out below before the final turn toward the coast.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orly (ORY) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Los Angeles. The right side edges ahead because it captures the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains during the LAX approach and the chance for glimpses of Greenland's southern ice sheet and Canada's rugged Labrador coast during the long transatlantic and transcontinental cruise, giving it more terrain variety than the left, which is strongest mainly at takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Orly, the initial climb typically arcs over central Paris before the aircraft turns onto its westbound track, putting the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's loops, and the La Défense skyline on the left side of the cabin. It's a brief but genuinely scenic urban view before the route heads out toward the Channel. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River, La Défense skyline, Notre-Dame/Île de la Cité area.
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 standard west-flow approach into LAX, aircraft descend from the east across the Los Angeles basin, and the San Gabriel Mountains dominate the view on the right side of the plane as the city spreads out below before the final turn toward the coast. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, downtown Los Angeles skyline, Los Angeles basin sprawl, Pacific coastline near LAX.
How long is the flight from Paris to Los Angeles?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 11 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,663 miles (9,114 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, the Labrador Sea, and the rugged coastline of eastern Canada near Newfoundland, followed by the vast boreal forests and lake-studded terrain of central Canada