LAX to SYD: which side of the plane should you sit on?
Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (Mascot) (SYD) is a 12,061 km (7,494 mi), roughly 14h 41m westbound flight. Here is where the sun sits along that path, computed with the same astronomy as our live calculator.
On most daytime LAX to SYD departures the sun favors the right side — sit on the left (an A seat) for shade.
Sun side by season and departure time
| Season | Morning (8 am) | Midday (1 pm) | Evening (6 pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March equinox | Left | Right | Right |
| June solstice | Both | Right | Right |
| September equinox | Both | Right | Right |
| December solstice | Left | Right | Night |
Frequently asked
Which side of the plane avoids the sun from LAX to SYD?
Across typical daytime departures, the sun predominantly hits the right side of the aircraft, so the left side stays shadier. Seat letters start at the left window, so choose an A seat.
Which side has the sunset views on LAX to SYD 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 LAX to SYD?
The great-circle distance is 12,061 km (7,494 mi), which works out to roughly 14h 41m in the air on this westbound 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.