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MEX → SNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City) to John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side offers the most diverse scenery, ranging from high-altitude volcanic peaks near Mexico City to the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez and the iconic Southern California coastline upon arrival.
Nevado de Toluca
Shortly after takeoff, catch views of this massive stratovolcano with its distinct twin crater lakes.
Sea of Cortez
Peer across the Gulf of California to see the deep blue waters contrasting against the desert landscape.
Baja Peninsula
Visible in the distance, the rugged, mountainous spine of Baja California stretches along the western horizon.
Pacific Coastline
As the flight nears Southern California, enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the shore.
Newport Beach
On the final approach to SNA, get a bird's-eye view of the luxury yachts and harbors of the OC coast.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. On the approach into Santa Ana, this side provides the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the Huntington Beach pier if the plane lands from the north.
Mexico City Sprawl
Witness the incredible scale of one of the world's largest metropolitan areas immediately after departure.
Sierra Madre Occidental
Fly over the high plateaus and jagged peaks of Mexico's western mountain range.
Sonoran Desert
Observe the vast, arid beauty and unique geological formations of the northern Mexican desert.
Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering saline lake in the middle of the California desert, easily spotted from high altitudes.
San Jacinto Mountains
View the towering peaks near Palm Springs as the aircraft begins its descent into the LA Basin.
Inland Empire
The dense residential grids of Southern California unfold beneath you just before touchdown.
The right side is perfect for afternoon flights to catch the golden hour light hitting the Sierra Madre mountains. Look out for the Salton Sea about 30-40 minutes before landing; its scale is best appreciated from this side.
Distance: 2,442 km (1,517 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 15 min
Departure: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Arrival: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Route Type: International
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