Loading map...
SJC → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent display of California's diverse inland geography, including the Diablo Range, the agricultural patterns of the Central Valley, and a dramatic final approach past the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles skyline.
Search flights from SJC to LAX
Lick Observatory
Perched atop Mount Hamilton in the Diablo Range, the white domes are visible shortly after departure from SJC.
Central Valley
The geometric patterns of California's agricultural hub provide a vast patchwork of greens and golds.
Tehachapi Mountains
The rugged transition point where Northern California meets Southern California, often featuring snow in winter.
San Gabriel Mountains
Towering peaks that frame the Los Angeles basin, offering dramatic vertical relief during the descent.
Downtown LA Skyline
As the plane turns for its final approach to LAX, the skyscrapers of DTLA are prominently visible to the left.
SoFi Stadium
The massive, modern architectural marvel of the Rams/Chargers stadium is visible just minutes before touchdown.
Sit on the left for the iconic view of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Sign in the distance during the typical arrival. Afternoon flights provide the best light on the mountains, while night flights offer a spectacular 'carpet of lights' view over the LA basin. Avoid seats over the wing (rows 10-20 on most narrow-body jets) to maintain a clear view of the ground.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United States
Santa Cruz Mountains
Lush, forested ridges that separate the Santa Clara Valley from the Pacific Coast.
Monterey Bay
On clear days, the deep blue crescent of the bay is visible to the west shortly after takeoff.
Salinas Valley
The 'Salad Bowl of the World,' a long stretch of fertile valley between the Gabilan and Santa Lucia ranges.
Channel Islands
Look toward the horizon during the descent to spot the silhouettes of Anacapa and Santa Cruz islands.
Santa Monica Bay
As the plane lines up for LAX, you get a beautiful view of the coastline stretching toward Malibu.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the glare of the sun over the Pacific. While the flight path usually stays slightly inland, you can catch glimpses of the coastline. This side is best for seeing the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean during the final seconds before landing. Request a window seat ahead of the wing for the best photography angles of the coastline.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesDistance: 496 km (308 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 50 min
Departure: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.