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LAX → IST
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Istanbul Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to the dramatic Arctic landscapes of the Greenland ice sheet and the volcanic terrain of Iceland, which are the visual highlights of this transpolar route.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Breathtaking views of the world's second-largest ice body, featuring massive glaciers and deep blue crevasses.
Icelandic Highlands
Rugged volcanic landscapes, geothermal activity, and snow-capped peaks visible during clear northern transits.
Hudson Bay
Vast expanses of the Canadian North, often displaying intricate sea ice patterns during spring and winter.
Norwegian Coastline
The jagged, snow-dusted fjords of Scandinavia's western edge as the flight enters European airspace.
Arctic Twilight
Stunning long-duration sunsets or sunrises due to the high-latitude flight path near the North Pole.
Choose a window seat on the left for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis during the night segments of winter flights. Greenland views typically appear 6 to 7 hours after departure from LAX. Keep your window shade down during the bright Arctic day to avoid glare, but check frequently for the ice cap.
Rocky Mountains
Spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Utah, Wyoming, and the American West shortly after takeoff.
Great Salt Lake
The distinct geometric patterns and varied colors of the salt flats and the lake's unique basin.
North Sea
A view of the world's most active shipping lanes and massive offshore wind farm arrays near the UK and Denmark.
Danube River
The winding silver ribbon of Central Europe's longest river as it cuts through the Balkan Peninsula.
Bosphorus Strait
The iconic geographic divide between Europe and Asia visible during the final descent into Istanbul.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise as you fly southeast over Europe. During the final approach into Istanbul (IST), this side often provides the most consistent views of the city's sprawl and the Sea of Marmara. If you prefer avoiding direct sun for most of the flight, this side is generally more shaded on the eastbound journey.
Distance: 11,002 km (6,836 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 57 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: IST (41.275278, 28.751944)
Route Type: International
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