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MEL → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Melbourne International Airport (Melbourne) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the California coastline and the Los Angeles urban sprawl during the standard arrival sequence.
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Gippsland Coastline
Rugged Victorian coastline and the edge of the Tasman Sea visible during the initial climb.
South Pacific Atolls
Occasional views of remote coral reefs and small island chains scattered across the deep blue ocean.
Santa Monica Pier
The iconic amusement park and beach area visible as the plane turns toward the LAX runway.
Los Angeles Basin
Panoramic views of the sprawling city, including the Hollywood Hills and downtown skyscrapers.
Choose the left side for the SADDE arrival into LAX, which often flies past the Santa Monica mountains. This side also avoids the direct glare of the sunrise, providing better conditions for capturing photos of the Pacific and the final approach. Keep an eye out for the Channel Islands as you approach the US coast about 30 minutes before landing.
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Great Dividing Range
Dense forests and mountain peaks of the Australian Alps shortly after takeoff from Melbourne.
Pacific Sunrise
Spectacular horizon colors as the flight travels eastward toward the morning sun.
Catalina Island
A clear view of the island off the coast of California just before the final approach.
Port of Los Angeles
One of the world's busiest ports and the Palos Verdes Peninsula visible on the final leg.
The right side is ideal for catching the sunrise over the vast Pacific Ocean mid-flight. Upon arrival, you will have a clear view of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the industrial scale of the Port of Long Beach. Note that the morning sun will be shining directly into these windows for the last few hours of the flight, which can make the cabin quite bright.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesDistance: 12,758 km (7,927 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 15 hrs 1 min
Departure: MEL (-37.673302, 144.843002)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: International
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