Montreal to Los Angeles is 2,484 miles (3,998 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
The left side scores higher due to superior takeoff scenery from St. Hubert, with the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's urban core, and the Laurentian Mountains providing consistent visual interest during the critical first 30 minutes of flight. While the right side offers better landing views over the Los Angeles basin, the extended cruise phase (5+ hours) over the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains favors the left side, which captures the Appalachian foothills during the eastern portion of the flight and maintains better sightlines toward the continental interior. The takeoff experience from a scenic airport carries significant weight in overall flight satisfaction.
Flight Path
Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/West Virginia), Ohio River valley, Great Plains (Indiana/Illinois/Missouri), Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming), Great Basin terrain, Sierra Nevada range (California), Central Valley of California
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YHU
LEFTLeft side captures the St. Lawrence River valley and Montreal's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The river corridor provides immediate visual interest as the aircraft departs westbound, with the city's downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods visible beneath the climb path.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery as the aircraft descends toward LAX. During the typical westbound approach over the Pacific, the right side faces inland toward the Los Angeles basin, revealing the sprawling city, coastal mountains, and the transition from ocean to urban landscape. The left side during approach faces the open Pacific Ocean with minimal visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from St Hubert (YHU) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Los Angeles. The left side scores higher due to superior takeoff scenery from St. Hubert, with the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's urban core, and the Laurentian Mountains providing consistent visual interest during the critical first 30 minutes of flight. While the right side offers better landing views over the Los Angeles basin, the extended cruise phase (5+ hours) over the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains favors the left side, which captures the Appalachian foothills during the eastern portion of the flight and maintains better sightlines toward the continental interior. The takeoff experience from a scenic airport carries significant weight in overall flight satisfaction.
What can I see during takeoff from St Hubert in Montreal?
During takeoff from St Hubert (YHU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the St. Lawrence River valley and Montreal's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The river corridor provides immediate visual interest as the aircraft departs westbound, with the city's downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods visible beneath the climb path. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal downtown skyline, Laurentian Mountains to the north, suburban sprawl of Greater Montreal.
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. Right side offers superior approach scenery as the aircraft descends toward LAX. During the typical westbound approach over the Pacific, the right side faces inland toward the Los Angeles basin, revealing the sprawling city, coastal mountains, and the transition from ocean to urban landscape. The left side during approach faces the open Pacific Ocean with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Los Angeles basin sprawl, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific coastline and Long Beach Harbor.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Los Angeles?
The flight from St Hubert (YHU) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,484 miles (3,998 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
Appalachian Mountains (Pennsylvania/West Virginia), Ohio River valley, Great Plains (Indiana/Illinois/Missouri), Mississippi River, Rocky Mountains (Colorado/Wyoming), Great Basin terrain, Sierra Nevada range (California), Central Valley of California