Manzanillo to Los Angeles is 1,330 miles (2,141 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Pacific coastline and Sierra Madre during departure, and the coastal features during approach. The left side offers good landing views but less compelling takeoff scenery.
Flight Path
The flight path runs northwest over the Pacific Ocean. Notable features include the Baja California Peninsula visible to the right (east) as the aircraft climbs, the open Pacific waters for most of the cruise phase, and the California coast becoming visible approximately 45 minutes before landing, including the Channel Islands (visible as small landmasses off the coast) and the Transverse Ranges forming a distant mountain backdrop to the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZLO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Pacific coastline and the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Manzanillo. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at LAX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into LAX, including the Los Angeles basin, downtown LA skyline, and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. The aircraft descends from the east/southeast, making the left side optimal.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Playa De Oro International (ZLO) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manzanillo to Los Angeles. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery on both legs: the Pacific coastline and Sierra Madre during departure, and the coastal features during approach. The left side offers good landing views but less compelling takeoff scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Playa De Oro International in Manzanillo?
During takeoff from Playa De Oro International (ZLO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Pacific coastline and the Sierra Madre Occidental foothills as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Manzanillo. The left side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Pacific Ocean coastline, Manzanillo Bay, Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range (distant), Colima state coastal plain.
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 descent approach into LAX, including the Los Angeles basin, downtown LA skyline, and the San Gabriel Mountains to the north. The aircraft descends from the east/southeast, making the left side optimal. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Los Angeles downtown skyline, Long Beach harbor and container ships, Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay.
How long is the flight from Manzanillo to Los Angeles?
The flight from Playa De Oro International (ZLO) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,330 miles (2,141 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manzanillo to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path runs northwest over the Pacific Ocean. Notable features include the Baja California Peninsula visible to the right (east) as the aircraft climbs, the open Pacific waters for most of the cruise phase, and the California coast becoming visible approximately 45 minutes before landing, including the Channel Islands (visible as small landmasses off the coast) and the Transverse Ranges forming a distant mountain backdrop to the north.