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LAX destination photo
CPH destination photo

LAXCPH

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is the clear winner for this polar route, offering the best vantage point for the spectacular frozen landscapes of the Canadian Arctic, the massive Greenland ice sheet, and the potential for Northern Lights during the dark hours of the transatlantic crossing.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏔️

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Aerial views of the rugged peaks and alpine lakes of Northern California and Nevada shortly after departure.

🌲

Canadian Rockies

A sweeping look at the snow-capped wilderness of Alberta and the vast forests of the northern territories.

🧊

Baffin Island

Dramatic views of the deep fjords, massive glaciers, and jagged granite peaks of Nunavut.

🌨️

Greenland Ice Sheet

Crossing the world's second-largest body of ice, featuring deep crevasses and shimmering turquoise meltwater lakes.

🌌

Aurora Borealis

Due to the high-latitude polar trajectory, this side offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights during winter months.

🇳🇴

Norwegian Coastline

As the plane descends toward Denmark, look for the intricate maze of fjords and islands along the coast of Norway.

Sit on the left (Port) side for the best chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis during night flights in winter. The Greenland crossing usually happens 5-7 hours into the flight; set an alarm so you don't miss the transition from the dark ocean to the blinding white ice cap. Early morning light over Scandinavia provides excellent photography conditions for the Norwegian fjords before landing.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🌵

Mojave Desert

The stark, beautiful geometry of the high desert and dry lake beds visible shortly after takeoff from LAX.

🌊

The Great Lakes

Depending on the jet stream, you may pass over the northern shores of Lake Superior, offering endless blue horizons.

🚢

North Sea

Vast shipping lanes and massive offshore wind farms visible as the aircraft approaches the European continent.

🇩🇰

Danish Archipelago

A bird's-eye view of the numerous islands and coastal towns of Denmark during the final approach to Copenhagen.

🌉

Oresund Bridge

The massive bridge and tunnel system connecting Denmark to Sweden is often visible during the landing pattern into CPH.

The right side is generally subject to more direct sunlight during the daytime portions of this eastbound flight, which can make the cabin hot and cause glare on your screen. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight hours to stay cool, but open it as you cross over the North Sea to spot the impressive wind farms and the iconic Oresund Bridge just before touchdown.

Top Activities in Copenhagen
Route Information

Distance: 9,029 km (5,610 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 37 min

Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Arrival: CPH (55.617900848389, 12.656000137329)

Route Type: International

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