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CUN destination photo
RDU destination photo

CUNRDU

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the Caribbean islands upon departure and typically follows the scenic Atlantic coastline during the final descent into North Carolina.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏝️

Isla Mujeres

A breathtaking bird's-eye view of the entire island, its surrounding coral reefs, and the deep blue drop-off of the Caribbean Sea.

🏖️

The Emerald Coast

Spectacular views of the famous white sand beaches and emerald waters of the Florida Panhandle during the crossing.

⚓

Charleston Harbor

Distinctive coastal geography including winding marshlands and the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge if tracking near the coast.

🌲

Umstead State Park

The dense, lush canopy of the North Carolina Piedmont region as the plane makes its final approach into RDU.

Choose a seat forward of the wing for the clearest view of Isla Mujeres, which appears just minutes after takeoff. For morning flights, this side will be very bright, so have sunglasses ready for the reflection off the Gulf of Mexico.

Left Side Highlights
6.8
🏖️

Cancun Hotel Zone

Immediate views of the turquoise Nichupté Lagoon and the famous 7-shaped hotel strip during the initial climb.

🚢

Gulf of Mexico

Expansive views of the open sea and the potential to spot deep-sea cargo vessels traversing international shipping lanes.

🚜

Piedmont Farmlands

Neat geometric patterns of the rural Southern agricultural landscape as the flight moves through South Carolina.

🏙️

Distant Charlotte Skyline

Potential distant views of the Charlotte skyscrapers depending on the specific air traffic control routing for the day.

Sit on this side for the best view of the Cancun lagoon immediately after takeoff. If you are flying in the late afternoon, this side remains in the shade, making it easier to take photos without glare from the sun.

Top Activities in Raleigh-durham
Route Information

Distance: 1,828 km (1,136 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 26 min

Departure: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)

Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)

Route Type: International

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