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SLC → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Salt Lake City International Airport (Salt Lake City) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning desert and mountain vistas, the Right Side provides the most iconic views including the Great Salt Lake immediately after takeoff and a superior perspective of the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood Hills on the final approach.
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Great Salt Lake
Immediate views of the turquoise and silver waters of the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere.
Las Vegas Strip
A clear view of the concentrated resort architecture and the high-rise hotels in the middle of the Mojave Desert.
Mojave National Preserve
Vast stretches of desert wilderness, cinder cones, and Joshua tree forests visible from cruising altitude.
Downtown Los Angeles
A spectacular view of the DTLA skyline and the U.S. Bank Tower during the final descent sequence.
Hollywood Sign
Often visible in the distance against the Santa Monica Mountains as the plane maneuvers for landing.
SoCal Coastline
Views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay if the flight path performs an over-ocean loop.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. After takeoff, you get a direct view of the Antelope Island and the Great Salt Lake. As you approach LAX, the flight path usually follows a 'downwind' leg that puts the entire LA skyline and Hollywood Hills right outside your window. For the best lighting on these landmarks, aim for a late afternoon flight when the sun is behind you, illuminating the city.
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Wasatch Range
Dramatic views of the snow-capped peaks flanking the east side of the Salt Lake Valley during departure.
Southern Utah Red Rocks
Aerial perspective of the high desert plateaus and the vibrant orange hues of the Bryce Canyon region.
Lake Mead
View of the massive reservoir and the Colorado River cutting through the desert landscape.
San Bernardino Mountains
The high peaks of Mt. San Gorgonio visible as the flight transitions into the Los Angeles Basin.
Angel Stadium
Visible during the typical downwind leg of the approach into LAX, alongside the Orange County sprawl.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise reflecting off the Wasatch Mountains. It is also the better side for spotting the deep blues of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam area. On the final approach into LAX, look for the visible contrast between the rugged mountains and the dense urban grid of the Inland Empire.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 949 km (590 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 35 min
Departure: SLC (40.78839874267578, -111.97799682617188)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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