LHR-LAX Port or Starboard?

Hi everyone,

I'm due to book my next VS flight on Monday for a trip coming up next year Need to book early to grab a Z fare seat! J is a little bit out of my reach...[:(]

Does anyone have any preference on where they would choose to sit on this route for the best scenic views? Port or Starboard? I understand that touchdown at LAX all depends on wind direction, so I might not get the view I planned on when landing. I want to reserve a seat up front probably 8a/k or 9a/k. Any advice from you seasoned travellers?!

Thanks
Autopilot...

[honey lamb]

All I know is whichever side I choose for the best views on descent and landing, it is always the wrong one. [:o)]

Hi,

Going out I like the right hand side as you will be facing away from the sun ( mostly on the left hand side for the early part of the flight ( nice views of iceland/greenland/northern canada if there are no clouds)

Also on approach given the prevailing winds, you will be going west towards LAX and the RHS should give you views of downtown LA and maybe a small view of the Hollywood sign.

Of course I also am aware of honey lamb's law ( your side will be the wrong side)



Have a good flight

Regards

TBS

Thanks TBS,

Looks like it will be the right hand side then! Good for taking scenic photos I would think due to the sun being behind you.

I was hoping to get a good view of the Grand Canyon, is this on the VS7's flight path?

Now I just need to decide if its upstairs or downstairs! A bit worried about sitting near the IFBT due to the overpowering smell of the oils! Do any of you find the smell a problem up front?

Thanks
Autopilot...

Last time we went to LA the Grand Canyon was on the left the time before it was on the right. I'm guessing that it depends which "airlane" you're in, unless anyone else knows different.

Agree with TBS though for coming into LA. The right hand side seems better for seeing downtown LA/Hollywood although it's a long way away (heard someone say they could see the sign but I couldn't, maybe I'm getting old).

Miopyk

agree that the right hand side is the better one - views of Greenland etc can be awsome.

the Hollywood sign depends upon pollution in LAX - I've seen it once - it's possible!

Never seen the Grand Canyon on this flight - although the flight normally goes over LAS - so maybe a port seat could see it?

When i went to LAX we sat on the Port side and had a good view of the GC and Hoover dam.

Cheers

Phil

[Bazz]

Hi Autopilot,

All the pics I took recently (Sep 4th) that are in the Photo Gallery in the Views section were taken from the port side, we did a westerly approach at LAX and I snapped the Hollywood sign, plus earlier some good shots over Newfoundland and Cananda.

The route westbound often gives you Las Vegas on the starboard side with Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam on the Port side.

Coming back, you get the early morning sun on the port side so blinds are normally kept closed, coming into LHR depends on the approach (obviously) but if you come in over London my preference is for the starboard side for great views of the Thames, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Buck Hose, Wembley, etc., etc..

Either way, in the UCS I am sure you will enjoy the experience.

Auto,

There is only one way to travel Sir...

Port Out - Starboard Home

P-O-S-H !!!!!



John

quote:Originally posted by Autopilot
I was hoping to get a good view of the Grand Canyon, is this on the VS7's flight path?

As others have said, the Grand Canyon will probably be off the left side of the aircraft - to the South of your route.

So, unless there is some compelling reason (winds, nasty wx), you will usually fly something approximating a "Great Circle", to give the shortest mileage to your destination.

If the weather dictates, it's possible that you may route further South, which could give you a view of the Canyon.

You generally get nice views off the right side on ORD-LAX flights, these were taken from the upper deck of a United 747-400 doing an ORD-LAX run:

http://pics.smashing.net/p375170.html
http://pics.smashing.net/p375171.html
http://pics.smashing.net/p375172.html

Cheers,
Mike

[ChuckC]

On VS7 LHR-LAX I was on the port side (8A) but had I been on the starboard side I would have been looking straight down to the tips of the tall buildings in downtown Los Angeles as our pilot banked steeply to line up with LAX's north complex runways. Fantastic AND in slow motion as the 744 seems to travel when near the ground.

I agree with the others: either way, you're going to see some beautiful sights, in living color.

Regards,
Chuck-