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LHR → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides an unparalleled window into the Arctic wilderness, featuring the mesmerizing Greenland ice cap and the dramatic geological formations of the American Southwest during the descent into California.
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Greenland Ice Sheet
Spectacular glaciers and deep blue fjords visible approximately 4-5 hours into the flight.
Hudson Bay
A vast expanse of water and seasonal ice floes as you cross Northern Canada.
Utah Red Rocks
Stunning contrasts of red desert earth and deep canyons in the American Southwest.
Death Valley
The stark white salt flats of Badwater Basin visible as the plane enters California airspace.
San Gabriel Mountains
Rugged mountain terrain that signals the final descent into the Los Angeles area.
Sit on the right for the most iconic views of the Greenland glaciers, which are usually the highlight of this route. The lighting on this side is generally more favorable (softer light) as the sun is positioned on the opposite side of the aircraft. For the approach into LAX, the right side often provides views of the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory if the flight path tracks slightly north of the city center.
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Windsor Castle
Visible shortly after departure from Heathrow when taking off towards the west.
Canadian Prairies
Vast geometric patterns of agricultural land stretching across the mid-continent.
The Rocky Mountains
Dramatic views of the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Western United States.
Las Vegas
The shimmering lights of the Strip are often visible against the dark Mojave Desert floor.
Los Angeles Basin
The massive urban sprawl of the LA metro area during the final approach into LAX.
The left side offers a superior view of the Los Angeles skyline if the aircraft approaches from the east. Note that because you are flying west, the sun will be on the left (south) side of the plane for much of the journey, which can lead to significant glare and heat. Keep the window shade partially closed during the mid-flight to avoid the direct afternoon sun while over the Atlantic and Canada.
Get eSIMs for United Kingdom
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 8,760 km (5,443 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 18 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: International
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