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CMH → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (Columbus) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dynamic range of views, including the rugged Appalachian ridges, the winding Atlantic coastline, and the iconic launch facilities of the Kennedy Space Center upon descent.
Appalachian Ridges
Dramatic views of the folded mountain peaks of West Virginia and Virginia shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Charlotte Skyline
Depending on the flight corridor, you can often spot the dense cluster of skyscrapers in downtown Charlotte, NC.
Atlantic Coastline
As you move into the Carolinas and Georgia, the horizon reveals the transition from green forests to the blue Atlantic Ocean.
St. Johns River
A clear view of the massive, north-flowing river that snakes through Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
Kennedy Space Center
On the descent into MCO, you can often see the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads at Cape Canaveral to the east.
For morning flights, sit on the left to witness the sunrise over the Atlantic. This side is also strategic for spotting the space coast during the standard arrival patterns into Orlando from the north.
Ohio River Valley
Aerial perspectives of the winding Ohio River shortly after takeoff from Columbus.
Blue Ridge Foothills
Views of the western edge of the Appalachian range and the rolling hills of the Carolinas.
Savannah River Basin
Expansive views of the lush marshlands and forests along the border of South Carolina and Georgia.
Central Florida Lakes
As you enter Florida, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of hundreds of circular freshwater lakes.
Theme Park District
During the final approach, look for the high-rise hotels and structures of the Walt Disney World and Universal resorts.
Choose the right side for afternoon or evening flights to enjoy the sunset. If the plane approaches MCO from the south or west, you will have a better view of the massive theme park complexes and the Orlando Eye.
Distance: 1,295 km (805 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 44 min
Departure: CMH (39.998001, -82.891899)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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