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ATL destination photo
CUN destination photo

ATLCUN

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side is the clear winner for this route, offering a spectacular aerial view of the Cancun Hotel Zone and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea upon the final approach into Cancun International Airport.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

Atlanta Skyline

Great views of the downtown and Midtown high-rises shortly after departure from Hartsfield-Jackson.

🏖️

Florida Panhandle

Clear views of the emerald green waters and white sand beaches near Panama City or Destin as you cross the coastline.

🌊

Gulf Stream Transition

Observe the distinct color changes in the water as the plane moves from the continental shelf into deeper Gulf waters.

🏝️

Isla Mujeres

The long, narrow island of Isla Mujeres is often visible just off the coast during the descent into CUN.

🏨

Cancun Hotel Zone

The iconic '7' shaped sandbar lined with resorts is most frequently visible from the left side when landing from the north.

🪸

Mesoamerican Reef

Glimpses of the world's second-largest coral reef system just beneath the turquoise water surface near the shoreline.

Seat yourself on the left for the most iconic views of the Caribbean. For morning flights, this side will be sunnier, so bring sunglasses. The 'A' seats are optimal for spotting the Hotel Zone as the plane makes its final turn toward the runway.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🚢

Mobile Bay

Views of the Alabama coastline, including the Port of Mobile and the expansive Mobile Bay bridge system.

☁️

Tropical Cloudscapes

The Gulf of Mexico often features dramatic towering cumulus clouds and thunderheads, especially in summer months.

🐊

Yucatan Peninsula Coast

As you reach Mexico, the right side offers views of the rugged, less-developed coastline near Holbox Island.

🌳

Endless Jungle

The vast, flat expanse of the Mayan jungle stretches to the horizon as the plane crosses over the peninsula.

🏜️

Yucatan Sinkholes

With sharp eyes, you may spot circular 'cenotes' (natural sinkholes) dotted throughout the dense forest canopy below.

The right side (F or K seats) is best for sunset flights to avoid direct glare. It provides a more terrestrial view of the Mexican landscape, focusing on the dense limestone forests of the Yucatan rather than the ocean. Keep a lookout for large cargo ships in the shipping lanes below.

Top Activities in Cancun
Route Information

Distance: 1,422 km (884 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 54 min

Departure: ATL (33.6367, -84.428101)

Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)

Route Type: International

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