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ZRH → LAX
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is preferred for its spectacular views of the rugged Baffin Island fjords and its better exposure for photography, as it faces away from the direct southern sun for the majority of the westbound journey across the Atlantic and Arctic.
Black Forest
Scenic views of the dense evergreen forests of Southern Germany shortly after departure.
Baffin Island
One of the most dramatic sights on the route, featuring jagged peaks and deep arctic fjords in Northern Canada.
Central Greenland
The vast, high-altitude interior of the ice cap, appearing as an endless, undulating desert of snow.
Northern Rockies
Stunning vistas of the wilderness areas across Montana and the Great Salt Lake region farther south.
Santa Monica Mountains
Views of the Hollywood Hills, the Getty Center, and the Pacific coastline during the arrival phase.
The right side avoids direct sunlight glare, providing better visibility of the Arctic terrain. For those traveling in winter, this is the side to watch for the Aurora Borealis during the crossing of the magnetic pole. During landing, look for the Hollywood Sign in the distance as the plane turns toward the airport.
Swiss Plateau
Breathtaking views of the Swiss landscape and the northern edges of the Alps shortly after takeoff from Zurich.
Southern Greenland
Visuals of the massive Greenland ice sheet and coastal glaciers where they meet the North Atlantic.
Hudson Bay
The world's second-largest bay, often appearing as a vast, frozen white expanse during the winter months.
Mojave Desert
Intricate geological patterns and dry lake beds as the flight path crosses into the American Southwest.
Downtown Los Angeles
A perfect vantage point for the skyline and the urban sprawl of the LA Basin during the final approach to LAX.
On the left side, you will face the sun for most of the 11-12 hour flight, so bring sunglasses and be prepared to use the window shade. This side offers the most iconic view of the Los Angeles skyscrapers if the flight lands toward the west on the southern runways.
Distance: 9,534 km (5,924 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 13 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Route Type: International
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