The left side delivers consistent scenic value across the whole flight: volcanic peaks and Pacific coastline near El Salvador and Guatemala, glimpses of Mexico's coastal ranges and Baja California during cruise, and a harbor-and-coastline view on the LAX approach. The right side is dominated by less distinct inland terrain and haze for most of the route.
Flown SAL to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Salvador to Los Angeles is 2,320 miles (3,734 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Route passes over the Gulf of Tehuantepec and southern Mexico's Sierra Madre del Sur, then tracks along or near the Pacific coast past Acapulco and the Baja California peninsula before crossing into Southern California.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAL
LEFTDeparting SAL to the southwest puts the Pacific coastline and the chain of Central American volcanoes—Izalco, Santa Ana, and later Guatemala's Atitlán and Fuego—on the left side as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest toward Mexico. The right side initially shows only the hazier interior highlands.
Landing at LAX
LEFTOn the descent into LAX in typical west-flow operations, the approach arcs down over the Los Angeles basin before turning west onto final, keeping the coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the harbor at San Pedro on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly faces inland toward the flatter San Gabriel Valley suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Salvador International (SAL) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Salvador to Los Angeles. The left side delivers consistent scenic value across the whole flight: volcanic peaks and Pacific coastline near El Salvador and Guatemala, glimpses of Mexico's coastal ranges and Baja California during cruise, and a harbor-and-coastline view on the LAX approach. The right side is dominated by less distinct inland terrain and haze for most of the route.
What can I see during takeoff from El Salvador International in San Salvador?
During takeoff from El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SAL to the southwest puts the Pacific coastline and the chain of Central American volcanoes—Izalco, Santa Ana, and later Guatemala's Atitlán and Fuego—on the left side as the aircraft climbs and turns northwest toward Mexico. The right side initially shows only the hazier interior highlands. Notable sights include: Santa Ana Volcano, Izalco Volcano, Pacific coastline of El Salvador, Lake Coatepeque.
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 the descent into LAX in typical west-flow operations, the approach arcs down over the Los Angeles basin before turning west onto final, keeping the coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the harbor at San Pedro on the left side of the aircraft. The right side mostly faces inland toward the flatter San Gabriel Valley suburbs. Notable sights include: Palos Verdes Peninsula, Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Santa Monica Bay, downtown Los Angeles skyline.
How long is the flight from San Salvador to Los Angeles?
The flight from El Salvador International (SAL) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,320 miles (3,734 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Salvador to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Route passes over the Gulf of Tehuantepec and southern Mexico's Sierra Madre del Sur, then tracks along or near the Pacific coast past Acapulco and the Baja California peninsula before crossing into Southern California.