Which LA neighborhoods are under LAX flight paths?

LAX flight paths affect a wide swath of the Los Angeles metro area. The level of noise depends on your location relative to approach and departure routes, the time of day, and prevailing wind conditions.

South Bay / Westside (Most Affected)

• El Segundo – Directly adjacent to LAX; significant noise from takeoffs and landings

• Manhattan Beach – Under departure paths, particularly eastbound flights

• Hawthorne – Experiences noise from multiple runway configurations

• Westchester – Airport-adjacent community with constant aircraft activity

• Playa del Rey – Affected by "Early Turn" southbound departures

Culver City & Surrounding Areas

• Culver City – Became significantly more affected after NextGen flight path changes

• Mar Vista – Under concentrated flight corridors since 2017

• Palms – Increased overflight activity in recent years

San Fernando Valley

• Sherman Oaks – Affected by north-departing flights

• Studio City – Under certain departure corridors

• Encino – Periodic noise from specific flight patterns

Inglewood & South LA

• Inglewood – Historically affected; ongoing concerns about soundproofing program equity

• Lennox – Directly under approach paths

• Ladera Heights – Affected by eastern approach patterns

The LAX flight path controversy: what homebuyers need to know

NextGen: The change that angered thousands

In 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration implemented its NextGen satellite-based navigation system at LAX as part of the Southern California Metroplex project. While NextGen improved fuel efficiency and allowed more precise routing, it had an unintended consequence: flight paths became narrower and more concentrated.

Previously, aircraft dispersed across wider corridors. After NextGen, the same number of planes flew over a smaller footprint—meaning some neighborhoods went from occasional overflights to near-constant aircraft noise.

Cities sue the FAA

The changes sparked significant backlash. The City of Los Angeles, Culver City, and Malibu filed lawsuits against the FAA, arguing the agency implemented NextGen without proper environmental review or public input.

In July 2021, a federal appeals court ruled that the FAA violated environmental laws when implementing the new flight paths. The court found the FAA failed to adequately consider noise impacts on affected communities.

Despite the ruling, meaningful changes have been slow to materialise, and affected residents continue to experience elevated noise levels.

Equity concerns in Inglewood

Community advocates have raised concerns that lower-income areas like Inglewood have been left out of soundproofing and noise mitigation programmes that benefit wealthier neighbourhoods. This remains an ongoing point of contention in local politics.

LAX noise tracking tools

The Los Angeles World Airports authority (LAWA) provides several resources for residents:

• LAX Noise Portal – Real-time flight tracking and noise monitoring

• WebTrak – Historical flight path data and noise measurements

• Noise Monitoring Studies – Including the ThreeSixty @ South Bay study showing decibel levels for specific areas

However, these tools are designed for current residents filing complaints—not for homebuyers trying to evaluate a property before purchase.

How to check flight paths before buying near LAX

If you're considering a home purchase anywhere in Los Angeles County, don't rely on a single site visit to assess aircraft noise. Flight patterns vary by:

• Time of day – Early morning over-ocean routes differ from daytime patterns

• Wind direction – LAX runway usage changes based on conditions

• Season – Summer and winter can have different typical patterns

A comprehensive My Flight Path report analyses historical data across multiple time periods to give you an accurate picture of what to expect.

Frequently asked questions

How far from LAX can you hear aircraft noise?

Significant noise can extend 10-15 miles from the airport depending on flight paths and atmospheric conditions. Communities in the San Fernando Valley, over 15 miles away, have reported increased noise since NextGen implementation.

Does aircraft noise affect property values near LAX?

Studies consistently show that proximity to airport noise can reduce property values by 5-15%, depending on severity. However, many buyers don't discover the noise issue until after purchase.

Are there quiet times at LAX?

LAX operates 24/7, though there are voluntary overnight restrictions. Early morning (before 7am) often has "over-ocean" departures that reduce noise for inland communities, but this varies by conditions.

Can flight paths change in the future?

Yes. The FAA periodically modifies flight paths, and ongoing litigation may result in future changes. A home that's quiet today could be under a flight path tomorrow—and vice versa.

Check before you buy

Don't let aircraft noise turn your dream home into a regret. Get a detailed My Flight Path Flight Blight Report for any Los Angeles address before you make an offer.