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LAX → AMS
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for its unparalleled views of the Arctic wilderness, Greenland's interior ice sheet, and the high-latitude fjords. It also provides the best vantage point for spotting the Aurora Borealis during night segments.
Canadian Rockies
Dramatic snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes visible as the flight heads northeast toward the Arctic.
Hudson Bay
A massive expanse of water that is often frozen or filled with ice floes depending on the season.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The stark, mesmerizing white expanse of the world's second-largest ice body, featuring deep crevasses.
West Frisian Islands
A chain of islands along the Dutch coast visible during the final descent into Schiphol.
Aurora Borealis
Excellent chances to see the Northern Lights over the high latitudes during the overnight portion of the flight.
Book a window seat on the left to maximize Arctic views. For overnight flights, keep your window shade slightly cracked to check for the Aurora Borealis over Canada or Greenland. Most LAX-AMS flights arrive in the morning, so the left side avoids direct glare during the final hours of the flight.
Mojave Desert
Starkly beautiful desert landscapes and mountain ranges shortly after departing Los Angeles.
Southern Greenland Fjords
If the flight path is southerly, you will see the jagged coastline and deep blue fjords of Greenland's tip.
Chicago Skyline
Potential views of the Windy City and the vast blue waters of Lake Michigan depending on the jet stream.
Port of Rotterdam
One of the world's largest ports is often visible on the right side if the arrival path comes from the south.
Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to a spectacular sunrise over the North Atlantic as you approach the European continent.
The right side is ideal for sunrise enthusiasts, though it can become quite bright; bring an eye mask. If the aircraft lands on the Polderbaan (runway 18R/36L), the right side offers great views of the airport's massive infrastructure and the surrounding Dutch countryside.
Distance: 8,956 km (5,565 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 32 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Route Type: International
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