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FLL → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Florida Everglades, the rugged karst landscapes of western Cuba, and the iconic engineering marvel of the Panama Canal during the descent into Panama City.
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The Everglades
Vast stretches of Florida's 'River of Grass' and intricate wetland ecosystems visible shortly after takeoff.
Viñales Valley Region
The unique limestone mogotes and lush tobacco fields of western Cuba's Pinar del Río province.
The Panama Canal
A world-class view of the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, along with ships transiting the Culebra Cut.
Gatun Lake
The massive man-made reservoir that serves as the heart of the canal system, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
Pacific Anchorage
Dozens of cargo ships anchored in the Bay of Panama waiting for their turn to transit the canal.
The right side is the 'Canal Side.' During the descent into Panama City, aircraft often fly south past the city before banking left over the Pacific; this maneuver provides a spectacular view of the Panama Canal and the Bridge of the Americas. For the best lighting, book an afternoon flight to see the canal illuminated by the setting sun.
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Florida Gold Coast
Aerial views of Fort Lauderdale Beach and the high-rise corridors of North Miami immediately after departure.
Cuban Archipelago
Sweeping views of the Jardines del Rey and the central Cuban coastline as the flight traverses the island.
San Blas Islands
A glimpse of the Guna Yala territory's turquoise waters and tiny coral cays just before reaching the Panamanian mainland.
Costa del Este
The modern, glittering skyline of Panama City's financial district as the aircraft aligns for its final approach to PTY.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean without direct glare. On the final descent into Tocumen, this side provides an excellent perspective of the Caribbean coastline and the San Blas archipelago, though you may miss the Canal.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 1,892 km (1,176 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 31 min
Departure: FLL (26.072599, -80.152702)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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