Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Jose to Los Angeles. Right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise portion heading south over the Central Valley or coastal ranges, the right side also faces west toward the coast and the Tehachapi Mountains transition zone, giving slightly more varied terrain than the left.

During takeoff from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC), sit on the Right side for the best views. SJC's primary departure runway 30L/30R sends aircraft northwest before turning south, and the right side faces east toward the Diablo Range and the southern Santa Clara Valley floor. You get a clear look at the valley grid and the hills rising to the east as you climb out. Notable sights include: Diablo Range foothills to the east, Santa Clara Valley urban grid below, southern San Francisco Bay mudflats, Coyote Creek corridor.

When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX's standard westward approach over the city puts the right side facing north, giving you a sweeping view of the Los Angeles Basin, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the downtown LA skyline in the distance before touchdown. The left side faces south toward the less distinctive South Bay and ocean. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline to the northeast, Santa Monica Mountains ridge, Inglewood and the Forum district below, Marina del Rey coastline.

The flight from Norman Y Mineta San Jose International (SJC) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 55 to 65 minutes.

The flight typically tracks south over the Santa Clara Valley, then crosses the Diablo Range or follows the I-5 corridor through the Pacheco Pass area, transitions over the Tehachapi Mountains and the northern edge of the Los Angeles Basin, passing over or near the San Gabriel Valley before descending into LAX. The Tehachapis and the transition from dry interior valleys to the LA Basin are the most visually distinctive midpoint features.