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CUN → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Cancún International Airport (Cancun) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
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.
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.
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.
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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