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LAX β PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The starboard side offers a superior vantage point for the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Kamchatka Peninsula and the snow-capped peaks of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Pacific Northwest Peaks
Stunning views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range as the flight path heads north toward Canada.
Gulf of Alaska Glaciers
Massive ice fields and rugged coastal fjords are often visible along the edge of the Alaskan panhandle.
Kamchatka Volcanoes
Breathtaking views of Russia's Far East, featuring active, snow-covered stratovolcanoes like Klyuchevskaya Sopka.
Aleutian Island Chain
The remote and dramatic volcanic islands stretching across the North Pacific toward Asia.
Northern China Mountains
The rugged Yanshan mountain range north of Beijing, where the Great Wall winds through the peaks.
Sit on the right for the best lighting; the sun will be on the opposite side, reducing glare and making it easier to photograph the Kamchatka volcanoes. Use a flight tracker to time the crossing of the Russian coast, which occurs roughly 9-10 hours into the flight.
California Coastline
Aerial views of the Southern California coast and the Channel Islands shortly after departure from LAX.
Pacific Horizon
Expansive views of the deep blue North Pacific, offering spectacular sunrise or sunset colors depending on the flight time.
Bohai Sea Coast
As the flight approaches Beijing, the industrialized coastal regions of Northeastern China come into view.
The left side is best for night flights if you hope to see the Aurora Borealis over the Arctic or Bering Sea. However, during daytime, expect significant sun glare for most of the westward journey as the sun tracks to the south of the aircraft.
Distance: 10,037 km (6,237 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 48 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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