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MCO → EYW
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando International Airport (Orlando) to Key West International Airport (Key West)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the iconic Miami skyline, the turquoise reefs of Biscayne National Park, and the full span of the Florida Keys archipelago during the descent.
Miami Skyline
Aerial view of downtown high-rises and the vibrant Blue Lagoon area as you transition from mainland Florida.
Biscayne National Park
Clear views of the underwater coral reefs, emerald waters, and the transition from the mainland to the northern Keys.
Upper & Middle Keys
Excellent visibility of Key Largo, Islamorada, and the long chain of islands connected by the Overseas Highway.
Seven Mile Bridge
The most famous stretch of the Overseas Highway appears as a thin line cutting through the deep blue and turquoise sea.
Sit behind the wing to capture the contrast between the deep Atlantic blue and the shallow reefs. On morning flights, the sun will be on this side, which can cause glare, so aim for mid-day or late afternoon for the best color saturation in the water.
Lake Okeechobee
Visible shortly after departure, this massive freshwater lake looks like an inland sea from cruising altitude.
The Everglades
The 'River of Grass' stretches to the horizon, showcasing the unique hydrology and swamp patterns of South Florida.
Florida Bay
A vast expanse of shallow, jade-colored water dotted with thousands of small mangrove islands known as 'keys'.
Key West Approach
On final approach, see the Salt Ponds, the famous Smathers Beach, and the distinct architecture of the Southernmost City.
Choose this side for the best views of Lake Okeechobee and the sprawling Everglades wilderness. If the flight lands on Runway 9, you will get a spectacular panoramic view of the entire island of Key West just before touchdown. In the afternoon, this side faces the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Distance: 433 km (269 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 43 min
Departure: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Arrival: EYW (24.55610084533691, -81.75959777832031)
Route Type: Domestic
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