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TUS → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Tucson International Airport (Tucson) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer stunning desert vistas, the right side provides a superior perspective of the high San Bernardino mountain ranges and a better angle for viewing the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood Hills during the standard arrival patterns into LAX.
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Santa Catalina Mountains
Rugged northern border of the Tucson valley featuring Mount Lemmon's high-altitude forests.
Joshua Tree National Park
Unique geological formations and high-desert landscapes visible as you cross into California.
San Bernardino Mountains
Views of Mount San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California, often capped with snow in winter.
Downtown Los Angeles
A clear view of the Wilshire Grand and the dense cluster of skyscrapers in the city center.
Hollywood Landmarks
Potential sightings of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory depending on the specific landing runway.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights, offering spectacular golden hour lighting on the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountain ranges. As the plane enters the 'downwind' leg of the LAX approach, keep your camera ready for the Downtown LA skyline. If the flight path takes a northern loop, you'll have the best angle for spotting the Hollywood Sign.
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Saguaro National Park West
Aerial views of the dense cactus forests and rugged Tucson Mountains immediately after takeoff.
The Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering endorheic rift lake located in the heart of the Colorado Desert.
San Jacinto Peak
The dramatic 10,834-foot vertical rise of the mountain overlooking the Palm Springs area.
Orange County Coastline
Sweeping views of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach during the descent into the LA Basin.
Port of Long Beach
The massive scale of one of the world's busiest container ports and the Queen Mary.
The left side is preferable for morning flights to minimize direct sun glare. Watch for the Salton Sea about 35-40 minutes after departure; its unique turquoise hue stands out against the desert floor. On clear days, the Pacific Ocean becomes visible on this side long before the final approach into Los Angeles.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 725 km (450 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 13 min
Departure: TUS (32.116100311279304, -110.94100189208984)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: Domestic
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