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LAX destination photo
MAD destination photo

LAXMAD

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The Left side is generally superior for this route as it offers views of the high Sierra Nevada, the Great Salt Lake, the rugged Canadian Shield, and the best potential for Aurora Borealis during the night crossing of the Atlantic.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏔️

Sierra Nevada

Stunning views of high-altitude peaks and alpine lakes shortly after departing California.

🌊

Great Salt Lake

The distinct turquoise and white salt crusts of Utah's massive inland sea are clearly visible.

🏔️

The Rockies

A long stretch of snow-capped peaks across Colorado and Wyoming depending on the specific flight path.

❄️

Labrador Coast

The rugged, icy, and remote coastline of Eastern Canada before the plane heads out over the Atlantic.

🌌

Aurora Borealis

Due to the northern latitude of this flight, the left side offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights at night.

⛰️

Picos de Europa

Spectacular limestone mountains as the aircraft crosses into Northern Spain from the Bay of Biscay.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. During winter, keep your window shade open during the dark middle hours for a high probability of spotting the Aurora Borealis. On the final descent, look for the sharp transition from the green Cantabrian coast to the drier Spanish interior.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌵

Mojave Desert

Vast arid landscapes and the distinctive geology of the high desert early in the flight.

🏜️

Grand Canyon

Often visible in the distance, showing the deep grooves of the Colorado River system.

🌽

Great Plains

The mesmerizing geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across the American Midwest.

🌅

Atlantic Sunrise

A beautiful sunrise over the open ocean as the plane approaches the European continent.

🏰

Meseta Central

The vast, golden high plateau of Central Spain characterizes the final approach into Madrid.

🏘️

Madrid Suburbs

Clear views of the dense urban layout and historical architecture of the Madrid metropolitan area.

The right side is ideal for catching a spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. As you approach Madrid Barajas (MAD), this side often provides a better perspective of the airport's iconic Terminal 4 architecture and the surrounding dry landscapes of the Spanish Meseta.

Top Activities in Madrid
Route Information

Distance: 9,387 km (5,833 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 3 min

Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)

Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)

Route Type: International

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