BNE to LAX: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Brisbane (BNE) to Los Angeles (LAX) is a 11,533 km (7,167 mi), roughly 14h 4m eastbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime BNE to LAX departures the sun favors the left side — sit on the right (a window on the right) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Left | Left | Right |
| June solstice | Left | Both | Right |
| September equinox | Left | Both | Right |
| December solstice | Left | Left | Right |
What you’ll see on this flight
Views do not settle it here. Sit on the right for shade.
This route does not pick a clear viewing side, so let shade decide: the right side is the shady side. You get a few close pass-bys early, then a long stretch over open water, then California on descent.
Takeoff
On departure from Brisbane, depending on the runway in use, the right side gets the first look. Brisbane passes close and nearly overhead, with the Gold Coast and Lamington National Park also off that side during the climb.
En route
- 2h 19m inRight →Efate · passes underneath
About two and a half hours in, Efate is very close on the right. It is a brief, steep look from cruise altitude.
- 2h 24m in← LeftAmbrym
A few minutes later, Ambrym sits on the left. You see it as a volcanic island shape, but from farther out than Efate.
- 5h 30m inRight →Phoenix Islands
Around five and a half hours in, the Phoenix Islands stay to the right. This is more distant island spotting than a close-up.
- 7h 25m in← LeftKingman Reef · passes underneath
About seven and a half hours in, Kingman Reef crosses very near on the left. It is another quick, near-underneath pass.
- 13h 56m inRight →Channel Islands of California · passes underneath
Near the end of the flight, the Channel Islands of California come up on the right, almost under you for a moment.
Landing
On descent into Los Angeles, depending on the runway in use, the left side gets a look at the San Fernando Valley first. Then the right side picks up Long Beach, Anaheim, and Irvine as you come in.
Sides and timings are computed from this route’s geometry. What you actually see depends on weather, air-traffic routing, and the runway in use on the day.
Frequently asked
Which side of the plane avoids the sun from BNE to LAX?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the left side of the aircraft, so the right side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose the highest window letter (F on narrowbodies, K on many widebodies).
Which side has the sunset views on BNE to LAX flights?
For sunset views, flip the advice: on evening departures the sun sits on the right side of this route, so that is the side with the show.
How long is the flight from BNE to LAX?
The great-circle distance is 11,533 km (7,167 mi), which works out to roughly 14h 4m in the air on this eastbound routing. Winds and routing move the real block time around that estimate.
Does the date or departure time change the answer?
Yes — that is why the table shows both. The sun's path shifts with the season, and a morning departure can put the glare on the opposite side compared to an evening one. For a specific flight, the calculator samples the sun along the whole route for your exact date and time.
Which side of the plane is best for BNE to LAX views?
The route is view-neutral, so views do not decide it. Sit on the right for shade.
What landmarks can you see on BNE to LAX?
Early on you can see Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Lamington National Park. Later there are Efate, Ambrym, the Phoenix Islands, Kingman Reef, and the Channel Islands near Los Angeles.