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SMX → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Santa Maria Pub/Capt G Allan Hancock Field (Santa Maria) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a front-row seat to the iconic California coastline, featuring dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the serene Santa Barbara Channel.
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Point Conception
See the 'Hook of California' where the coastline makes a dramatic 90-degree turn to the east.
Channel Islands
Spot Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands rising out of the Pacific mist in the distance across the channel.
Malibu Coastline
Follow the winding Pacific Coast Highway and the famous surf breaks of Point Dume and Zuma Beach.
Santa Monica Pier
Identify the iconic solar-powered Ferris wheel and the vast sandy stretches of Santa Monica Bay.
Pacific Approach
Experience the unique sensation of flying over the open ocean before the plane touches down at LAX.
The right side is unbeatable for coastal photography. For the best experience, book an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the cliffs of Malibu and the Santa Monica mountains. Keep an eye out for offshore oil platforms and massive cargo ships waiting to enter the Port of Los Angeles.
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Los Padres National Forest
View the rugged, mountainous terrain and deep green canyons of the coastal range shortly after takeoff.
Santa Barbara Foothills
Glimpse the red-tiled roofs and luxury estates nestled against the Santa Ynez Mountains.
San Fernando Valley
Witness the vast urban sprawl of the Valley as the plane begins its descent into the Los Angeles basin.
Downtown LA Skyline
On the final approach, the skyscrapers of DTLA are visible to the east against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct Pacific sun glare and to see the dramatic shadows over the Santa Ynez Mountains. This side is also superior for viewing the urban density of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills during the final descent.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 216 km (134 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: SMX (34.89889908, -120.4570007)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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