About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Right side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion southbound along the California coast, the right side also tracks closer to the Pacific coastline and the Channel Islands become faintly visible on the horizon off Santa Barbara, while the left side faces inland toward the Central Valley.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SFO typically departs south on runways 28L/28R or north on 01L/01R. On southbound departures, the right side gives you San Francisco Bay, the San Mateo Bridge, and the Santa Cruz Mountains. On northbound departures, right side shows downtown San Francisco and the Bay Bridge before the turn south. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Mateo Bridge, Santa Cruz Mountains, downtown San Francisco skyline.
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. LAX typically lands westbound on runways 24L/24R or 25L/25R, approaching from the east over the Los Angeles Basin. The right side on final approach gives you the Santa Monica Bay coastline, Palos Verdes Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean spread out ahead and to the right. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Los Angeles Basin urban grid, Pacific Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the San Francisco to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southeast over the Santa Cruz Mountains, then along or just inland of the California Coast Ranges. Over the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, Point Conception marks the coastline bend. The Santa Ynez Mountains run east-west near Santa Barbara, visible to the right. The Channel Islands (San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz islands) appear as low shapes on the Pacific horizon to the right at cruise altitude. The southern end of the Central Valley and the Tehachapi Mountains are visible to the left before descent into the LA Basin.