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Route guide

Istanbul Los Angeles

Istanbul Airport (IST) — Los Angeles International (LAX)

Westbound 10h shift Best side: right
Distance
11,030 km
Duration
14h
Time-zone shift
10h west
Best window side
right

Overview

Istanbul to LAX — Turkish Airlines's ultra-long polar route to the US West Coast. The westbound direction makes it manageable; the duration makes the in-flight kit non-optional.

Jet lag

10-hour westward delay over 14 hours of flight — the friendlier direction but a long block. Stay up into LA evening on arrival, anchor afternoon light, expect 4-5 days for full adjustment.

Build a IST→LAX adaptation schedule

Best window side

Westbound polar routing — the right (north) side is the calmer pick through cruise, with the better shade for sleep.

Cabin humidity

Turkish's 787-9 is meaningfully better than the 777-300ER on a 14-hour westbound. If you can pick the aircraft at booking, take it.

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