While the takeoff from Tel Aviv favors the right side, the landing into LAX on the left side offers more dramatic and extended scenic views. The approach descent provides 30+ minutes of continuous views of the Sierra Nevada, Mojave Desert, San Gabriel Mountains, and the Pacific coastline—significantly more visually rewarding than the brief Tel Aviv departure.
Flight Path
The flight path typically crosses the Mediterranean Sea, southern Europe (Alps visible on clear days), the Atlantic Ocean, and approaches North America over the central United States. Notable midpoint features include the Alps (if routed south of standard transatlantic corridor), the Atlantic coastline of Portugal or Spain (on some routing), and the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada as the aircraft approaches the West Coast. The actual routing depends on prevailing winds and air traffic control, but most TLV-LAX flights follow a great-circle path that takes them over southern Europe and the Atlantic.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from TLV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Judean Hills as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ben Gurion. The Dead Sea and Jordan Rift Valley are also visible to the east on the right side during initial climb.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the long descent into LAX. Passengers see the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east, the Mojave Desert, and eventually the Los Angeles Basin with the Pacific coastline. The approach path from the east offers extended views of Southern California's geography.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ben Gurion (TLV) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles. While the takeoff from Tel Aviv favors the right side, the landing into LAX on the left side offers more dramatic and extended scenic views. The approach descent provides 30+ minutes of continuous views of the Sierra Nevada, Mojave Desert, San Gabriel Mountains, and the Pacific coastline—significantly more visually rewarding than the brief Tel Aviv departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
During takeoff from Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Mediterranean coastline and the Judean Hills as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Ben Gurion. The Dead Sea and Jordan Rift Valley are also visible to the east on the right side during initial climb. Notable sights include: Mediterranean Sea (western coastline), Judean Hills (eastern ridge), Dead Sea (southeastern depression), Tel Aviv urban sprawl (directly below during climb).
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 during the long descent into LAX. Passengers see the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east, the Mojave Desert, and eventually the Los Angeles Basin with the Pacific coastline. The approach path from the east offers extended views of Southern California's geography. Notable sights include: Sierra Nevada mountains (eastern horizon), Mojave Desert (central approach), San Gabriel Mountains (northern rim of LA Basin), Pacific Ocean and Southern California coastline (western approach).
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to Los Angeles?
The flight from Ben Gurion (TLV) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes Approximately 14-15 hours (including typical routing via Europe or Middle East airspace).
What does the Tel Aviv to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path typically crosses the Mediterranean Sea, southern Europe (Alps visible on clear days), the Atlantic Ocean, and approaches North America over the central United States. Notable midpoint features include the Alps (if routed south of standard transatlantic corridor), the Atlantic coastline of Portugal or Spain (on some routing), and the Rocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada as the aircraft approaches the West Coast. The actual routing depends on prevailing winds and air traffic control, but most TLV-LAX flights follow a great-circle path that takes them over southern Europe and the Atlantic.