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AMS → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is the superior choice for this westbound transpolar route as it faces away from the sun, providing glare-free views of the vast Greenland ice sheet and the dramatic mountain ranges of the North American West. It offers the most consistent lighting for photography and a front-row seat to the Canadian Rockies.
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Greenland Ice Sheet
An endless white expanse of continental ice, featuring deep blue meltwater lakes during summer months.
Canadian Rockies
Sharp, snow-capped peaks and deep glacial valleys over Alberta and British Columbia.
Sierra Nevada Range
The high-altitude peaks of California, including possible views of Lake Tahoe depending on the specific track.
Mojave Desert
Vibrant salt pans, arid mountain ridges, and the massive Ivanpah Solar Power Facility.
Pacific Coastline
On certain arrival routes, you may see the Santa Monica Mountains and the coastline before turning for final approach.
The right side is ideal for long-duration viewing because you avoid direct sunlight. The most spectacular segment occurs 4 to 5 hours into the flight over Greenland; keep your camera ready for the incredible textures of the ice cap. As you descend over California, the landscape changes rapidly from barren desert to lush mountain ridges, offering excellent contrast.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesSouthern Greenland
Glacial tongues and jagged fjords along the southern coastline as the flight crosses the Atlantic.
Hudson Bay
The immense, often ice-choked waters of Canada's massive inland sea.
Utah Red Rocks
The striking contrast of red sandstone canyons and the Great Salt Lake as you enter the US Southwest.
Los Angeles Basin
A sweeping view of the city's iconic urban grid and the Hollywood Sign during the standard approach.
The sun will be positioned on this side of the aircraft for almost the entire flight. To enjoy the view without excessive heat or glare, wait until you reach the Canadian border where the sun is higher and less direct. During the final 20 minutes of flight, this side often provides the best look at the San Bernardino Mountains and the sprawling Inland Empire.
Get eSIMs for Netherlands
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 8,956 km (5,565 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 32 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: International
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