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MCO → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando International Airport (Orlando) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Right Side of the Plane
Flying north from Orlando, the right side provides a continuous panorama of the Atlantic coastline, including iconic beaches, launch pads, and historic port cities.
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Space Coast
Potential views of the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral launch facilities shortly after takeoff.
Daytona Coastline
The long stretch of white sand and the Daytona International Speedway are visible during the climb.
Charleston Harbor
Distinctive views of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and the historic battery peninsula.
Barrier Islands
Clear views of Hilton Head and Kiawah islands along the scenic South Carolina coast.
Wilmington Beaches
Views of Wrightsville Beach and the Intracoastal Waterway as you enter North Carolina airspace.
The right side is superior for coastal enthusiasts. For morning flights, you will witness the sunrise over the Atlantic, though you should bring sunglasses for the glare. Keep an eye out for the transition from the turquoise waters of Florida to the deeper blues of the Mid-Atlantic. In winter, the coastline is often clearer due to lower humidity.
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Orlando Attractions
Distant views of the major theme park complexes and the inland lake systems during the initial ascent.
Lowcountry Forests
Vast stretches of pine forests and swampy terrain typical of the South Carolina coastal plain.
Jordan Lake
A large recreational reservoir visible just before landing in the Raleigh-Durham area.
Research Triangle Park
The sprawling wooded campuses of the high-tech hub can be seen on the final approach.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun reflecting off the ocean. This side offers better views of the inland Sandhills and the sprawling suburban development of the Research Triangle on arrival. Watch for the dense canopy of the Francis Marion National Forest mid-flight.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 861 km (535 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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