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FRA → MEX
Which side of the plane to sit from Frankfurt am Main Airport (Frankfurt) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is typically superior for this westbound long-haul route as it offers the highest probability of viewing the dramatic glaciers of Greenland and the rugged, lake-filled wilderness of Northern Canada without the harsh glare of the southern sun.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The highlight of the route, featuring massive glaciers, deep fjords, and the vast white expanse of the inland ice cap.
Labrador Coast
View the rugged, icy coastline of Newfoundland and Labrador, often dotted with icebergs in the spring and early summer.
Canadian Shield
Fly over the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' in Ontario and Quebec, showcasing an endless mosaic of water and pine forests.
The Great Lakes
Massive inland seas like Lake Superior or Lake Michigan are often visible, looking more like oceans than lakes from 35,000 feet.
Sit on the right for consistent, indirect lighting which is perfect for photography. The Greenland crossing usually occurs 4 to 5 hours into the flight; check the moving map frequently as the window of visibility can be short depending on cloud cover. In winter months, keep an eye out for the Aurora Borealis if the flight departs Frankfurt late or experiences significant delays into the evening.
English Channel
Clear views of one of the world's busiest shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the southern UK coastline shortly after departure.
U.S. Midwest Cities
Depending on the flight path, you may see the sprawling urban grids of cities like Indianapolis or St. Louis during the overland segment.
Popocatépetl Volcano
An incredible view of the active 'Smoking Mountain' volcano and its twin, Iztaccíhuatl, during the final descent into Mexico City.
Mexican Highlands
The arid, mountainous terrain of central Mexico provides a stark and beautiful contrast as the plane nears its destination.
The left side faces south, meaning you will deal with direct sunlight for most of the day flight; keep your window shade partially closed to manage heat. However, prioritize opening it about 30-40 minutes before landing in Mexico City to catch the iconic volcanoes. For the best photography of the Mexican landscape, wait until the sun is lower in the sky to capture the texture of the mountains.
Distance: 9,552 km (5,935 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 14 min
Departure: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)
Arrival: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Route Type: International
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