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LAX destination photo
FRA destination photo

LAXFRA

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side (Port) is superior for the Great Circle route, offering potential views of the Canadian wilderness, the Greenland ice sheet, and the rugged coastlines of Iceland and the UK.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏔️

Sierra Nevada Mountains

Dramatic views of the high peaks and glacial valleys of eastern California shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Great Salt Lake

The striking contrast of the turquoise and pink waters of Utah's massive saline lake.

❄️

Greenland Ice Sheet

A surreal landscape of massive glaciers, deep blue fjords, and floating icebergs in the North Atlantic.

🌋

Icelandic Coast

Volcanic black sand beaches and jagged cliffs visible if the flight path tracks slightly south.

🇳🇱

Dutch Lowlands

The intricate network of canals, polders, and windmills of the Netherlands during the final descent.

The left side is the best choice for avoiding direct sun glare on this eastbound journey. On night flights, this side provides the best opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) during the crossing of the North Atlantic and Greenland. Keep your window shade open as you cross 60-70 degrees north latitude.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏜️

Mojave Desert

The vast, arid expanse of the American Southwest with its unique geological formations.

⛰️

The Rocky Mountains

Extensive views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks spanning through Colorado and Wyoming.

🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Distant views of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan if the route takes a more southerly mid-continental track.

🏰

Rhine River Valley

The winding Rhine river featuring historic castles and lush vineyards as you approach Frankfurt.

🏢

Frankfurt 'Mainhattan'

Excellent views of Germany's only major skyscraper cluster when landing from the east.

Expect significant sunlight for the first few hours of the flight, which can make it hot and bright. However, if the flight arrives at FRA during a westerly landing, the right side offers an iconic view of the Frankfurt financial district. Seasonal note: In winter, the right side catches the early sunrise over Europe.

Top Activities in Frankfurt
Route Information

Distance: 9,322 km (5,792 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 58 min

Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)

Route Type: International

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