Right side wins both ends of the flight. During the cruise over Mexico and the Pacific coast approach, right-side seats also get occasional views of the Mexican Pacific coastline and the Baja California peninsula in the distance, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
Flown SJO to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Jose to Los Angeles is 2,723 miles (4,382 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over Nicaragua and Honduras briefly, then across Guatemala and the Chiapas highlands of southern Mexico. The Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Sierra Madre del Sur ranges are visible on the right side over Mexico. The route then crosses central Mexico, passing near Oaxaca and Puebla before reaching the Mexican Plateau. The final segment crosses the Pacific coast near Manzanillo or Mazatlán before heading over the open Pacific toward Southern California.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJO
RIGHTSJO's primary departure runway is 07, meaning aircraft climb out heading northeast. A right-side seat faces southeast, giving you a clear view of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes rising above the Central Valley, plus the Valle Central urban sprawl below. Left side faces north toward hills but misses the dramatic volcanic ridge.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX arrivals typically come in from the east or northeast on runways 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft tracks westward over the LA Basin before turning final. Right-side seats face north, giving a prolonged view over downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Left side looks south over less distinctive suburban sprawl toward Long Beach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
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 over Mexico and the Pacific coast approach, right-side seats also get occasional views of the Mexican Pacific coastline and the Baja California peninsula in the distance, making it the stronger choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
During takeoff from Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. SJO's primary departure runway is 07, meaning aircraft climb out heading northeast. A right-side seat faces southeast, giving you a clear view of the Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes rising above the Central Valley, plus the Valle Central urban sprawl below. Left side faces north toward hills but misses the dramatic volcanic ridge. Notable sights include: Irazú Volcano (3,432m), Turrialba Volcano, Valle Central urban basin, Cordillera Central ridge.
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 arrivals typically come in from the east or northeast on runways 24L/24R, meaning the aircraft tracks westward over the LA Basin before turning final. Right-side seats face north, giving a prolonged view over downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, and the Santa Monica Mountains. Left side looks south over less distinctive suburban sprawl toward Long Beach. Notable sights include: Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Hollywood Hills, Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Monica Bay.
How long is the flight from San Jose to Los Angeles?
The flight from Juan Santamaria International (SJO) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,723 miles (4,382 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Jose to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over Nicaragua and Honduras briefly, then across Guatemala and the Chiapas highlands of southern Mexico. The Sierra Madre de Chiapas and Sierra Madre del Sur ranges are visible on the right side over Mexico. The route then crosses central Mexico, passing near Oaxaca and Puebla before reaching the Mexican Plateau. The final segment crosses the Pacific coast near Manzanillo or Mazatlán before heading over the open Pacific toward Southern California.