While takeoff offers Seoul views, the landing approach into LAX on the left side provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Pacific coastline, mountain ranges, and the sprawling basin are more visually distinctive than the departure sequence.
Flown SSN to LAX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seoul East to Los Angeles is 5,955 miles (9,583 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of Hawaii (typically 500+ miles north, not visible). Notable geographic features along the route include the Aleutian Islands region (far north, rarely visible on standard routing), and the transition from Asian continental air masses to Pacific maritime conditions. The midpoint offers primarily open ocean views with occasional cloud formations. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the eastern horizon during the final 2-3 hours of descent, though these are distant features on the horizon rather than prominent landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SSN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River valley during climb-out. You'll see the city grid expanding southward and westward as the aircraft banks toward the Pacific routing.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the California coast, Pacific coastline features, and the Los Angeles basin during descent. You'll see the Santa Monica Mountains, coastal cities, and the sprawling LA metropolitan area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seoul Ab (SSN) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seoul East to Los Angeles. While takeoff offers Seoul views, the landing approach into LAX on the left side provides more dramatic and varied scenery—the Pacific coastline, mountain ranges, and the sprawling basin are more visually distinctive than the departure sequence.
What can I see during takeoff from Seoul Ab in Seoul East?
During takeoff from Seoul Ab (SSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Seoul's urban sprawl and the Han River valley during climb-out. You'll see the city grid expanding southward and westward as the aircraft banks toward the Pacific routing. Notable sights include: Han River (snaking through central Seoul), Seoul metropolitan area (dense urban grid), Bukhan Mountains (northern backdrop, visible as a ridge line), Incheon area (western lowlands toward the coast).
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the California coast, Pacific coastline features, and the Los Angeles basin during descent. You'll see the Santa Monica Mountains, coastal cities, and the sprawling LA metropolitan area. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean (coastline and offshore waters), Santa Monica Mountains (north of Los Angeles), Los Angeles basin (urban sprawl), San Gabriel Mountains (distant eastern backdrop).
How long is the flight from Seoul East to Los Angeles?
The flight from Seoul Ab (SSN) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,955 miles (9,583 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seoul East to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of Hawaii (typically 500+ miles north, not visible). Notable geographic features along the route include the Aleutian Islands region (far north, rarely visible on standard routing), and the transition from Asian continental air masses to Pacific maritime conditions. The midpoint offers primarily open ocean views with occasional cloud formations. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains become visible on the eastern horizon during the final 2-3 hours of descent, though these are distant features on the horizon rather than prominent landmarks.