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CUN → MAD
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid)?
Right Side of the Plane
While the left side offers great coastal views of Mexico and Northern Spain, the Right Side wins for the spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic and a more dramatic perspective of the Iberian Peninsula's landscape during the morning arrival.
The Bahamas
Incredible views of the shallow, electric-blue waters and sandbars of the Great Bahama Bank shortly after departure.
Transatlantic Sunrise
The primary highlight of the route; a front-row seat to a brilliant sunrise over the horizon midway through the flight.
Portuguese Coastline
Watch the transition from ocean to land as the aircraft crosses the rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of Portugal.
Extremadura & Meseta
Beautiful views of the rolling hills, cork oak forests, and agricultural patterns of Western Spain.
Madrid Skyline
A stunning perspective of Madrid's high-rise business district and the sprawling city layout during the final approach.
Be prepared for direct sunlight during the early morning hours; keep your window shade down during the middle of the night to avoid waking other passengers. The right side is particularly scenic during the final 45 minutes of the flight as you cross the Spanish border and approach Barajas Airport from the west or south.
Isla Mujeres
Clear views of the stunning turquoise reefs and the narrow island of Isla Mujeres immediately after takeoff from Cancun.
Florida's Gold Coast
Potential sightings of the Miami metropolitan area and the Florida Keys depending on the specific North Atlantic track.
North Atlantic Expanse
A vast perspective of the deep blue ocean, often featuring interesting cloud formations and the occasional passing ship.
Picos de Europa
As the flight nears the coast, the rugged and often snow-capped peaks of Northern Spain come into view.
Castilian Plains
Aerial views of historic Spanish towns and the high plateau landscape of the Meseta Norte during descent.
Choose a seat in front of the wing to avoid engine glare and heat haze, which can blur photos of the Yucatan coast. Since this is an eastbound flight, the left side will be in the shade for most of the morning, providing more comfortable lighting for photography upon arrival in Europe.
Distance: 7,962 km (4,947 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 22 min
Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Arrival: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Route Type: International
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