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JFK → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most iconic landmarks, including a potential view of the Manhattan skyline on departure, the Great Salt Lake, and the Hollywood Sign during the descent into Los Angeles.
Search flights from JFK to LAX
Central Park & Hudson
A stunning perspective of the green lung of New York City and the river separating NY and NJ.
Great Lakes
Catch glimpses of the southern shores of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan as you cross the Midwest.
Great Salt Lake
The vibrant, contrasting colors of the northern and southern halves of the lake are a highlight of the flight.
Death Valley
View the stark, colorful badlands and salt flats of the hottest place on Earth from 35,000 feet.
Hollywood Hills
During the final approach, look for the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the dense urban grid of LA.
The right side is the 'cool side' for westbound transcontinental flights, as it faces north away from the sun. This provides consistent, glare-free lighting for photography. On the descent into LAX, this side is essential for spotting the Hollywood Sign and the San Gabriel Mountains.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesManhattan Skyline
A breathtaking view of the Financial District and Midtown skyscrapers immediately after takeoff from JFK.
Mississippi River
Cross the 'Mighty Mississippi' near St. Louis, where the Gateway Arch is often visible to the south.
Southern Rockies
Soar over the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Colorado, including views of Pikes Peak.
Monument Valley
The famous red sandstone buttes and mesas of the Navajo Nation near the Utah-Arizona border.
Hoover Dam
The massive concrete structure holding back the deep blue waters of Lake Mead against the desert floor.
Morning flights are ideal for the left side to capture the early light hitting the Manhattan skyline. However, because the plane travels west, this side will face south toward the sun, which can create significant glare and heat during midday flights. Keep your window shade down periodically to stay cool.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,974 km (2,469 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 41 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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