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CLT → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides the most dramatic views of the South Carolina coastline followed by the stunning turquoise waters and sandbars of the Bahamas and the iconic approach into St. Maarten.
Charleston Coastline
Aerial views of the South Carolina Lowcountry, including the Ravenel Bridge and historic Charleston harbor shortly after takeoff.
The Bahamas Chain
Stunning vistas of the Great Bahama Bank, featuring vibrant turquoise waters and narrow island strips like Eleuthera.
Exuma Sound
Deep ocean trenches contrasting sharply with shallow white sandbars, creating a marbled blue effect from 30,000 feet.
Simpson Bay Lagoon
A bird's-eye view of the massive yachts and marinas inside the protected lagoon just before touchdown.
Maho Beach
The world-famous view of tourists gathered on the beach at the end of the runway as the aircraft clears the fence.
Secure a window seat on the right for the iconic 'Caribbean Blue' experience. This side is superior for seeing the Bahamas archipelago mid-flight. For the best photography of the landing, keep your camera ready as soon as the landing gear drops, as the transition from ocean to runway is incredibly fast and scenic.
Atlantic Deep
Vast views of the deep blue Atlantic Ocean as the flight tracks southeast away from the mainland.
Trade Wind Clouds
Beautiful vertical cloud formations typical of the Caribbean tropical climate during the mid-flight phase.
British Virgin Islands
On a clear day, the mountainous silhouettes of Tortola and Virgin Gorda appear to the south during the descent.
Anguilla
Excellent views of the flat, white-sand beaches of Anguilla just before the plane turns for its final approach.
The left side is ideal for morning flights if you want to avoid direct sun glare, and it offers the best view of the neighboring island of Anguilla during the final seconds of the flight. Watch for the 'Blue Hole' formations in the ocean as you get closer to the Leeward Islands.
Distance: 2,597 km (1,614 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min
Departure: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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