Loading map...
SYD → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the premier view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge on departure and provides the most scenic approach to the Southern California coastline.
Search flights from SYD to LAX
Sydney Harbour
Unrivaled views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge if departing north from Runway 34L/R.
Northern Beaches
The beautiful golden sands and rugged coastline of Sydney's northern suburbs shortly after takeoff.
Pacific Atolls
Small, ring-shaped coral islands and turquoise lagoons visible while crossing the South Pacific.
Catalina Island
A clear view of this rugged island destination during the final descent into the California coast.
Santa Monica Pier
Views of the historic pier and the vast stretch of Pacific Palisades on a standard arrival path.
Request a window seat on the left (A seat) for the iconic Sydney CBD view upon departure. Since this flight usually arrives in LAX in the morning, the left side will be on the shaded side of the aircraft, making it easier to see out the window without intense sun glare. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight as the sun rises over the Pacific to avoid disturbing other passengers.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for United States
Botany Bay
The historic landing site of Captain Cook and the industrial scale of Port Botany right after takeoff.
Pacific Sunrise
A breathtaking view of the sun rising over the open ocean horizon during the final third of the flight.
Long Beach Port
One of the world's busiest maritime gateways visible just before touchdown at LAX.
Palos Verdes
Dramatic coastal cliffs and high-end estates on the Southern California peninsula during approach.
LA Basin
The immense urban sprawl and the distant downtown Los Angeles skyline as the plane aligns for landing.
The right side is ideal if you enjoy seeing the sunrise directly over the horizon. Be aware that the sun will be very bright during the morning arrival into Los Angeles, which may make photography difficult due to glare. If the plane arrives from the east or performs a loop over the ocean, the right side often gets a spectacular view of the Long Beach coastline.
Book Hotels in Los AngelesDistance: 12,061 km (7,494 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 hrs 11 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.