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CUN → MAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to Manchester Airport (Manchester)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this transatlantic crossing, offering glimpses of the North American coastline, potential Aurora Borealis sightings over the North Atlantic, and the scenic landscapes of North Wales during the descent.
Yucatán Peninsula
Breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean waters and the white-sand coastline of the Riviera Maya immediately after takeoff.
US East Coast Lights
On typical flight paths, you can spot the massive light clusters of Miami, New York, or Boston during the night portion of the flight.
Aurora Borealis
During winter months on high-latitude tracks, the left side offers the best chance to see the Northern Lights over the dark Atlantic.
Irish Landfall
The first sight of Europe is often the rugged, verdant cliffs and patchwork fields of Southern Ireland or the Celtic Sea.
Snowdonia National Park
As the aircraft descends into Manchester, you get a front-row seat to the dramatic peaks and valleys of Northern Wales.
Since this is an eastbound overnight flight, sit on the left to maximize your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis in the middle of the night. For the best view of the Welsh mountains on arrival, ensure you are seated before the descent starts, usually about 30-40 minutes before landing in Manchester. Check the flight tracker for the 'Great Circle' path to see how close you will fly to the US coast.
Deep Caribbean
Watch the vibrant color change as the plane moves from the shallow reefs of Mexico into the deep Atlantic trench.
Transatlantic Sunrise
As the sun rises over the eastern horizon, the right side of the cabin is bathed in golden light above the cloud deck.
Irish Sea & Wind Farms
Views of the massive offshore wind arrays and shipping traffic heading towards the Port of Liverpool.
Cheshire Plain
A classic English view of manor houses and green fields during the final approach into Manchester Airport.
Choose the right side if you enjoy watching the sunrise, but be prepared to close your window shade early to avoid waking other passengers. This side provides excellent views of the Liverpool skyline and the Mersey Estuary if the plane approaches Manchester from the west. It is generally quieter for sleeping as it faces away from the most frequent coastal light pollution.
Distance: 7,795 km (4,844 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 10 min
Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Arrival: MAN (53.35369873046875, -2.2749500274658203)
Route Type: International
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