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LAX destination photo
FCO destination photo

LAXFCO

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side (Port) is generally superior for this transatlantic route, offering potential views of the Greenland ice sheet and the more dramatic side of the Alps during the descent into Italy.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Rocky Mountains

Vast views of the rugged peaks across Utah and Wyoming shortly after reaching cruising altitude.

❄️

Greenland Ice Sheet

Spectacular aerial vistas of glaciers and icebergs if the flight path follows a typical Great Circle route.

🌌

Northern Lights

High probability of spotting the Aurora Borealis during the dark hours over the North Atlantic.

🇨🇭

Swiss and Italian Alps

Breathtaking panoramas of the highest peaks in Europe as the plane crosses into the Mediterranean region.

🇮🇹

Tuscan Hills

The rolling green landscapes and vineyards of central Italy visible during the final descent phase.

For the best views of Greenland and the Alps, choose a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. Greenland is typically visible 6-8 hours into the flight; check the flight map frequently. If flying in winter, the Northern Lights are a major highlight on this side during the middle of the night.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏜️

Mojave Desert

Initial views of the arid California and Nevada landscapes shortly after departing Los Angeles.

🏙️

US East Coast

Distant views of the major metropolitan lights along the Atlantic seaboard before the ocean crossing.

🇫🇷

Central France

Orderly agricultural patterns and historical towns of the French countryside during the morning.

🌊

Tyrrhenian Sea

The deep blue waters of the Mediterranean as the aircraft maneuvers for approach to Fiumicino.

🏛️

Rome and Vatican City

Depending on the landing pattern, views of the Eternal City and the Tiber River on final approach.

The right side offers excellent sunrise views over the Atlantic as you approach Europe. On the final approach into FCO, if the aircraft lands from the north, this side provides better views of the coastline and the port of Civitavecchia.

Top Activities in Rome
Route Information

Distance: 10,203 km (6,340 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs

Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)

Route Type: International

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