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MCO → MEX
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando International Airport (Orlando) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most spectacular views of Mexico's snow-capped volcanoes and the highest peak in the country, Pico de Orizaba, during the descent into the Valley of Mexico.
Central Florida Lakes
Aerial views of Orlando's numerous inland lakes and suburban sprawl immediately after takeoff.
Gulf of Mexico
Expansive views of the deep blue waters while crossing from Florida towards the Mexican coast.
Pico de Orizaba
Sightings of Mexico's highest mountain and third highest in North America as you approach the highlands.
Popocatépetl Volcano
An incredible close-up view of the active, often smoking volcano paired with its sister, Iztaccíhuatl.
Valley of Mexico
The breathtaking sight of the dense urban sprawl of Mexico City surrounded by high mountain ridges.
Seat yourself on the left for the iconic volcanic views during the approach. Aim for a morning flight (before 10:00 AM) to ensure the clearest visibility of the mountains before the daily haze and clouds develop over the high plateau. The volcanoes will appear approximately 15-20 minutes before landing.
Florida West Coast
Glance at the white sands of the Tampa and Clearwater coastline as the plane heads over the Gulf.
Sierra Madre Oriental
Dramatic views of the jagged mountain ridges that separate the coast from the interior plateau.
Teotihuacán Pyramids
Possible views of the ancient archaeological site if the flight approach enters from the north.
Altiplano Central
The high-altitude desert and agricultural landscape of central Mexico during the mid-flight transition.
Nezahualcóyotl
The geometric, seemingly endless residential grid of the city's eastern outskirts during final descent.
The right side is excellent for seeing the transition from the Gulf to the rugged Sierra Madre mountains. If the wind is coming from the south, forcing a northern approach, you may catch a glimpse of the Pyramids of Teotihuacán. This side also avoids direct sunlight on afternoon flights heading west.
Distance: 2,060 km (1,280 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 45 min
Departure: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Arrival: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Route Type: International
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