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CDG → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer vast ocean views, the right side typically provides superior perspectives of the French coastline, potential distant views of the Greater Antilles, and a prime view of the Panama Canal's Atlantic entrance near Colon during the descent.
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Brittany Peninsula
Panoramic views of the rugged French western tip and the Iroise Sea.
The Bahamas
Depending on the specific airway, you may see the turquoise waters and white sand banks of the southern Bahamas.
Colon & Canal Entrance
A spectacular view of dozens of massive cargo ships anchored near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal.
Agua Clara Locks
The massive new locks of the Panama Canal expansion visible during the initial descent phase.
Soberania National Park
Dense, uninterrupted tropical rainforest canopy as the plane prepares for landing at PTY.
The right side is the 'winner' for the arrival phase. Watch for the cargo ships queuing in the Caribbean Sea about 20-30 minutes before landing. Be aware that afternoon sun can be intense on this side as you head west, so keep the window shade down during the mid-flight Atlantic crossing to keep the cabin cool.
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Loire Valley
Aerial views of the lush river valleys and historic chateaux of western France shortly after departure.
Bay of Biscay
The transition from the European continental shelf to the deep Atlantic blue off the coast of France.
Galician Coast
Rugged cliffs and emerald landscapes of Northern Spain as the flight heads southwest.
San Blas Islands
If the flight path hugs the eastern corridor, you may spot the stunning Guna Yala archipelago's coral cays.
Panama City Skyline
Dramatic views of the 'Miami of the South' skyscrapers if the aircraft circles for a southern approach.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during this westbound daytime flight, as the sun will primarily be on the southern (left) side in the morning and directly overhead or on the right later. It is ideal for spotting the San Blas islands just before landing if the approach is from the northeast.
Get eSIMs for France
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 8,660 km (5,381 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 11 min
Departure: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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