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LAX → CUN
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Cancún International Airport (Cancun)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic view of the Cancun '7-shaped' Hotel Zone during the standard landing approach, along with dramatic desert vistas over the American Southwest.
Mojave Desert & Salton Sea
Shortly after takeoff, view the vast desert landscapes and the shimmering blue expanse of the Salton Sea.
Sonoran Desert
Dramatic views of the rugged peaks and arid basins across Arizona and Northern Mexico.
Gulf of Mexico Crossing
A long stretch of deep blue water before making landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancun Hotel Zone
The quintessential aerial view of the turquoise lagoons and high-rise hotels along the sandbar.
Isla Mujeres
Often visible just off the coast as the plane banks for its final descent into CUN.
For the best arrival views, choose a seat toward the front or rear to avoid the wing. If the flight is during the day, the sun will be on the right side for most of the eastbound journey, making the left side better for glare-free photography. Watch closely as you cross the coastline; the transition from deep blue to turquoise is spectacular.
Pacific Coastline
Catch glimpses of the Southern California coast and the Channel Islands during the climb out.
Sierra Madre Oriental
Rugged, high-altitude mountain ranges visible as the flight traverses Central Mexico.
Yucatan Jungle
The dense, green canopy of the Mayan jungle stretching to the horizon as you reach the peninsula.
Riviera Maya Coast
Views of the coastline stretching south toward Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
The right side can be very sunny on this route; keep your window shade partially closed to prevent cabin heat. This side is excellent for seeing the sheer scale of the Yucatan's tropical forests and the coral reefs lining the southern coast of Cancun. Look for the white wakes of ferries traveling between the mainland and Cozumel.
Distance: 3,407 km (2,117 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Route Type: International
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