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MAD → CUN
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to Cancún International Airport (Cancun)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this westbound route because it avoids the direct southern sun, reducing glare. It also offers the best potential views of the Azores and the stunning turquoise shallow waters of the Bahamas archipelago during the descent toward the Yucatan.
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Portuguese Coast
The dramatic meeting of the Iberian Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean near the Tagus estuary.
The Azores
Potential views of the volcanic peaks of these remote Portuguese islands depending on the day's flight path.
The Bahamas
Spectacular views of the Great Bahama Bank where deep ocean blue shifts to vibrant neon turquoise.
Florida Straits
Sightings of the Florida Keys and the vast Atlantic shipping lanes entering the Gulf of Mexico.
Yucatan Coastline
The dense tropical jungles of the Riviera Maya meeting the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea.
Choosing the right side minimizes cabin heat and eye strain as the sun will be on the opposite side of the aircraft. For the best views of the Bahamas, start looking out about 60 to 90 minutes before landing. This side also offers a great perspective of the dense Yucatan jungle during the final descent.
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Madrid Cityscape
Aerial views of the Spanish capital and the unique architecture of Barajas Airport Terminal 4.
Spanish Sierras
Rugged terrain of the Sistema Central mountain range immediately after takeoff from Madrid.
Caribbean Horizons
Distant views of the mountainous terrain of the Greater Antilles if the flight takes a southerly track.
Cozumel Island
The famous diving island often appears on the left as the plane maneuvers for its final approach to Cancun.
Cancun Hotel Zone
The iconic 7-shaped strip of luxury resorts and white sand beaches visible during specific landing patterns.
The left side is prone to intense sunlight for the duration of this westbound flight. However, it is the side to be on if the plane approaches CUN from the south, as it provides a front-row seat to the turquoise Nichupté Lagoon and the hotel zone. Keep your window shade down during the mid-Atlantic crossing to stay cool.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for MexicoDistance: 7,962 km (4,947 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 22 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Route Type: International
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