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AUS destination photo
CUN destination photo

AUSCUN

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior primarily for the arrival sequence into Cancun, where passengers often get a panoramic view of the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the iconic Hotel Zone, and Isla Mujeres before touchdown.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏙️

Houston and Galveston

On clear days, the vast urban sprawl of Houston and the shipping lanes of Galveston Bay are visible shortly after departure.

🌊

Gulf of Mexico Deep Blue

The transition from the brownish coastal waters of Texas to the deep, sapphire blue of the central Gulf.

🏝️

Isla Mujeres

A beautiful view of the long, narrow island just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula during descent.

🏖️

Cancun Hotel Zone

The world-famous '7' shaped strip of white sand and turquoise water is most frequently visible from this side.

🪸

Great Mayan Reef

As the plane lowers for landing, the intricate patterns of the coral reef systems become visible through the clear water.

Sit on the left for the most iconic views of the Caribbean coastline. On morning flights, the sun will be on this side, so bring sunglasses or lower the shade until you reach the Yucatan. For the best view of the '7' shaped hotel zone, watch closely during the last 10 minutes of flight.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🏖️

Padre Island

The long, protected barrier island of the Texas coast is often visible as the flight heads south.

🚢

Corpus Christi Bay

Aerial views of the industrial port and the coastal geography of Southern Texas.

🌳

Yucatan Canopy

Upon reaching Mexico, the flight passes over the dense, flat green carpet of the Mayan jungle.

💧

Coastal Lagoons

The western side of the Yucatan features unique lagoon systems and wetlands near the shore.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as you will be on the shaded side of the aircraft. While you miss the primary hotel zone view, you get a much better look at the vastness of the Yucatan jungle and the Texas coastline during the initial climb.

Top Activities in Cancun
Route Information

Distance: 1,484 km (922 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 59 min

Departure: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)

Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)

Route Type: International

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