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LAX → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior mix of rugged Mexican mountain ranges, active volcanic peaks throughout Central America, and a prime view of the Panama Canal's inland infrastructure during the final descent.
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Sierra Madre Occidental
Dramatic views of the rugged mountain ranges and deep canyons of western Mexico.
Guadalajara Region
Aerial perspective of Mexico's second-largest city and the nearby Lake Chapala.
Colima Volcanoes
Clear views of the active Volcán de Fuego and the snow-capped Nevado de Colima.
Chiapas Highlands
Lush, high-altitude tropical forests and mist-covered valleys in southern Mexico.
Guatemalan Volcanoes
The striking peaks of the Central American Volcanic Arc, including Fuego and Agua.
Panama Canal Locks
A direct view of the Culebra Cut and the Centennial Bridge during the approach into PTY.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. For daytime flights, the sun remains on the right side for most of the southbound journey, providing excellent lighting for the terrain on the left. Keep an eye out as you cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where both the Atlantic and Pacific can sometimes be glimpsed simultaneously in clear conditions.
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Sea of Cortez
Distant views of the deep blue water between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula.
Mexican Riviera
The beautiful coastline near Puerto Vallarta and the rugged cliffs of the Michoacán coast.
Gulf of Tehuantepec
The unique concave curve of the coastline where Mexico is at its narrowest point.
Pacific Coastline
Endless tropical beaches and coastal lagoons stretching from El Salvador to Costa Rica.
Panama Anchorage
Dozens of massive container ships and tankers waiting to transit the Canal in the Bay of Panama.
Panama City Skyline
The dense cluster of modern skyscrapers along the waterfront as the plane turns for landing.
This side is ideal for late afternoon flights to witness spectacular Pacific sunsets over the water. During the final approach into Panama City, the right side usually provides a better view of the massive fleet of cargo ships anchored in the bay. Be aware that the afternoon sun can be very intense on this side, so bring sunglasses if you plan to keep the window shade up.
Book Hotels in Panama CityDistance: 4,845 km (3,011 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 5 hrs 42 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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