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ZCL → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from General Leobardo C. Ruiz International Airport (Zacatecas) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior panoramic view of the vast Mexican high plateau, the sinuous Colorado River, and the iconic San Bernardino mountain range before providing a grand entry into the Los Angeles basin with views of the downtown skyline.
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Mexican Altiplano
The high-altitude plateau of Northern Mexico, characterized by arid basins and isolated sky islands.
Colorado River
A vibrant green ribbon cutting through the desert landscape near the California-Arizona border.
Joshua Tree Region
Vast stretches of the Mojave Desert featuring unique rock formations and high-desert vegetation.
San Bernardino Mountains
Snow-capped peaks and pine forests that provide a dramatic backdrop to the LA basin in winter.
DTLA Skyline
Clear views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers during the standard easterly approach to LAX.
Hollywood Sign
Visible in the distance on the hills to the north during clear-day descents into the airport.
The right side is best for afternoon flights to avoid the western sun. It offers the most iconic urban views of Los Angeles, including the downtown high-rises and the Hollywood Hills. Keep your camera ready as you pass the Colorado River for high-contrast desert photography.
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Sierra Madre Occidental
Rugged ridges and deep canyons of the western mountain range as you depart the Zacatecas region.
Altar Desert
The stark, shifting sand dunes of the Gran Desierto de Altar near the US-Mexico border.
Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering endorheic lake that appears like a blue mirage in the California desert.
San Jacinto Peak
The dramatic 10,000-foot summit towering over the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs.
Inland Empire
The dense grid-like sprawl of Southern California's interior valleys during the initial descent.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane, reducing glare. This side is particularly good for spotting the Salton Sea and the San Jacinto mountains. During the final approach, you will see the extensive suburban development of the Inland Empire and Orange County.
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,963 km (1,220 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 37 min
Departure: ZCL (22.8971004486, -102.68699646)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: International
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