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LAX → FAT
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Fresno Yosemite International Airport (Fresno)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side captures the dramatic transition from the LA urban sprawl to the San Gabriel Mountains and the looming Sierra Nevada range to the east.
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San Gabriel Mountains
Impressive views of high peaks like Mt. Wilson as the plane climbs out of the LA basin.
Magic Mountain
The rollercoasters of Six Flags are easily identifiable near the Santa Clarita valley.
The Grapevine
Observe the winding Interstate 5 highway as it climbs through the steep Tejon Pass.
Sierra Nevada Range
On clear days, the massive, often snow-capped peaks of the High Sierras are visible to the east.
Bakersfield View
Spot the urban center of the southern San Joaquin Valley and surrounding oil fields.
The right side is superior for morning flights when the sun illuminates the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east. Look for the Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory early in the flight if the pilot makes an eastward departure loop. Since this is a very short flight (often under 45 minutes in the air), stay alert for the descent which begins almost immediately after crossing the mountains.
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Santa Monica Bay
Catch views of the Pacific coastline and Malibu if departing westward before banking north.
San Fernando Valley
A vast grid of urban development stretching toward the Santa Susana Mountains.
Los Padres National Forest
Rugged, arid mountain terrain and deep canyons on the western side of the flight path.
Agricultural Patterns
Intricate geometric designs of orchards and vineyards as you descend into the Central Valley.
Choose the left side for sunset flights to see the golden hour light hitting the Pacific Ocean and the coastal ranges. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for aerial views of the Malibu coastline. Note that this side can get quite hot in the afternoon sun during the summer months.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 337 km (209 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 34 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: FAT (36.77619934082031, -119.71800231933594)
Route Type: Domestic
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