While takeoff scenery is minor on both sides, the transcontinental cruise passes over the Appalachians, Mississippi River valley, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountains, with the most dramatic terrain — Rockies, high desert, and the San Gabriel Mountains near LAX — best seen from the left/south-facing side, especially combined with the LA basin arrival view.
Flight Path
Appalachian Mountains, Mississippi River, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, high deserts of the American Southwest
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
RIGHTDeparting RDU to the southwest, the right side faces south over the Piedmont, giving a brief glimpse of Raleigh's suburbs before flattening into farmland — modest but slightly more visual interest than the featureless northern side.
Landing at LAX
LEFTIn LAX's typical west-flow arrival, flights from the east descend over the San Gabriel Mountains and swing south over the Los Angeles basin before turning west, giving left-side passengers views of downtown LA's skyline and the mountains; the final turn onto the runway also favors mountain and city views on the left.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles. While takeoff scenery is minor on both sides, the transcontinental cruise passes over the Appalachians, Mississippi River valley, Great Plains, and Rocky Mountains, with the most dramatic terrain — Rockies, high desert, and the San Gabriel Mountains near LAX — best seen from the left/south-facing side, especially combined with the LA basin arrival view.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RDU to the southwest, the right side faces south over the Piedmont, giving a brief glimpse of Raleigh's suburbs before flattening into farmland — modest but slightly more visual interest than the featureless northern side. Notable sights include: Raleigh-Durham suburbs, Jordan Lake, North Carolina Piedmont farmland.
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. In LAX's typical west-flow arrival, flights from the east descend over the San Gabriel Mountains and swing south over the Los Angeles basin before turning west, giving left-side passengers views of downtown LA's skyline and the mountains; the final turn onto the runway also favors mountain and city views on the left. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, Pacific coastline near LAX.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes 5h 05m.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains, Mississippi River, Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, high deserts of the American Southwest