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CUN → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Florida Gulf Coast, the Chesapeake Bay area, and a better angle of the industrial and urban landscapes of the Mid-Atlantic corridor during the descent.
Cancun Hotel Zone
Aerial views of the iconic 7-shaped hotel strip and the vibrant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea immediately after takeoff.
Florida Gulf Coast
Panoramic views of the Florida Panhandle and the Tampa Bay region as the flight transitions from the Gulf to land.
Chesapeake Bay
A detailed look at the massive bay system, including the bridges and coastal wetlands of Maryland and Delaware.
Delaware River
Vantage point for seeing the heavy shipping traffic and refineries leading into the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Opt for the left side on afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side provides the best chance to see the transition from tropical waters to the densely populated US East Coast. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff for the best shots of the Cancun shoreline.
Isla Mujeres
A stunning view of the island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula during the initial climb.
The Outer Banks
If the flight path is slightly offshore, you will see the narrow barrier islands of North Carolina stretched across the Atlantic.
Atlantic City
During the descent, look for the high-rise hotels and boardwalk of the Jersey Shore.
Philly Skyline
Depending on the landing pattern, the right side often catches a glimpse of Center City Philadelphia's skyscrapers on final approach.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. If landing toward the west at PHL, this side offers a more direct view of the Philadelphia city center during the final few minutes of the flight. Watch for the Jersey Shore coastline as a landmark for the start of the descent.
Distance: 2,368 km (1,471 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 9 min
Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: International
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