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LAX → MIA
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Miami International Airport (Miami)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side (Port) offers a superior perspective of the varying American landscapes, from the immediate coastal turn over the Pacific to the intricate wetlands of the Everglades and the potential for a stunning Miami skyline view during the standard arrival sequence.
Pacific Coastline
Dramatic views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Long Beach harbor during the initial climb and bank.
Sonoran Desert
Aerial views of the rugged mountain ranges and arid basins surrounding Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Mississippi River Delta
The winding 'Mighty Mississippi' as it snakes toward the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans.
Everglades National Park
The vast, shimmering 'River of Grass' and complex water conservation areas of South Florida.
Miami Skyline
Depending on wind direction, a left-side view offers a panoramic look at downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay upon final approach.
For day flights, the left side avoids direct southern sun glare for most of the journey. If you are on an afternoon flight, this side offers cooler, indirect light. Watch for the stark transition from the desert to the lush Gulf Coast states around mid-flight. During the descent into MIA, keep your camera ready for the contrast between the green Everglades and the dense urban sprawl.
Salton Sea
The massive, reflective surface of California's largest inland lake surrounded by the Imperial Valley.
US-Mexico Border
Clear views of the international boundary near El Paso, where the Rio Grande separates two nations.
Texas Oil Fields
The geometric patterns of oil pads and access roads across the vast Permian Basin.
Gulf Coast Beaches
White sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The right side is ideal for sunrise views on early morning eastbound flights. It provides excellent perspectives of the US-Mexico border and the expansive Gulf of Mexico. Note that southern sun exposure can be intense; keep your window shade partially closed during mid-day to manage cabin heat. On the final approach into MIA, you may see the northern stretches of the Florida Keys in the distance.
Distance: 3,763 km (2,338 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 26 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: MIA (25.79319953918457, -80.29060363769531)
Route Type: Domestic
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