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PHL → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer spectacular views of the American heartland, the right side provides a superior perspective of the dramatic Rocky Mountain peaks, the intricate canyons of Southern Utah, and a classic aerial view of Lake Mead before landing.
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Susquehanna River
Broad views of one of the oldest river systems in the world shortly after takeoff.
Great Plains Grid
The mesmerizing geometric patterns of agricultural 'center-pivot' irrigation fields across Kansas.
Rocky Mountain Front Range
The dramatic rise of the Rockies from the flat plains, often featuring snow-capped peaks like Pikes Peak.
Canyonlands and Arches
Red rock formations and deep canyon systems of Southern Utah, including views near Moab.
Lake Mead & Hoover Dam
The massive blue reservoir of Lake Mead contrasted against the desert, with the Hoover Dam often visible on the descent.
Hollywood Sign
On the standard 'Downwind' approach to LAX, the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are often visible to the right.
The right side is ideal for catching the high peaks of the Rockies and the red rock wonders of Utah. On a late afternoon flight, this side offers a spectacular sunset over the wing. As you approach LAX, look for the San Bernardino Mountains and the sprawling Los Angeles basin layout.
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Philadelphia Skyline
Aerial view of Center City, the Schuylkill River, and the sports complex immediately after departure from PHL.
Appalachian Mountains
The rolling ridges and valleys of the Appalachian chain stretching through Southern Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Ohio River Meanders
Large, sweeping bends of the Ohio River as the flight crosses into the Midwest.
Painted Desert
Vibrant, multi-colored sedimentary layers visible across the Northern Arizona plateau.
Meteor Crater
A nearly perfect circular impact crater clearly visible in the Arizona desert landscape.
Joshua Tree National Park
The rugged rock formations and unique high-desert ecology of the Mojave Desert during descent.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Painted Desert and the distinct Meteor Crater in Arizona. Afternoon flights on this side will face south, meaning you'll have direct sunlight; keep your window shade down during the brightest hours to avoid glare until you reach the desert Southwest.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,856 km (2,396 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 32 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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