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MDW destination photo
PUJ destination photo

MDWPUJ

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer interesting views, the Right Side is generally preferred for the spectacular Caribbean approach into Punta Cana, offering better views of the turquoise reefs and the famous resort coastline during descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌽

Midwestern Farmland

View the vast, geometric patterns of Illinois and Indiana agricultural lands during the initial climb.

🌊

Ohio River Valley

Spot the winding path of the Ohio River as you head toward the southeastern United States.

☀️

Florida Horizon

On clear days, you may see the distant outline of the Florida peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico far to the west.

🏖️

Turks and Caicos

Marvel at the stunning contrast between deep ocean trenches and shallow, neon-blue coral reefs near these islands.

🏨

Punta Cana Resorts

Enjoy a front-row seat to the white sand beaches and luxury resorts of Bavaro and Cap Cana during the final approach.

The Right Side is the winner for Caribbean aesthetics. For the best photos of the turquoise water near Punta Cana, use a polarized lens to cut through window glare. Most flights into PUJ approach from the north or east, meaning the Right Side gets the best view of the coastline and the airport's unique thatched-roof terminals upon landing.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Catch an immediate view of the Willis Tower and the Lake Michigan shoreline if the flight path departs toward the east.

⛰️

Appalachian Mountains

Fly over the rolling green ridges and dense forests of the eastern United States mountain range.

🌊

Carolina Coastline

Witness the transition from the mainland to the Atlantic Ocean as you cross the East Coast.

🏝️

Bahamian Cays

Glimpse the remote, uninhabited islands of the northern Bahamas scattered across the deep blue sea.

🇩🇴

Hispaniola Arrival

See the rugged northern terrain of the Dominican Republic as the plane begins its final descent phase.

Choose the Left Side for morning flights to avoid the direct afternoon sun. You will get a better view of the Appalachian topography, but the sun may be intense on your side during the first half of the journey. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight ocean crossing to reduce glare.

Top Activities in Punta Cana
Route Information

Distance: 3,168 km (1,969 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 44 min

Departure: MDW (41.785999, -87.752403)

Arrival: PUJ (18.567399978599997, -68.36340332030001)

Route Type: International

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