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MKE → CUN
Which side of the plane to sit from General Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee) to Cancún International Airport (Cancun)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this route, primarily because it offers the most iconic views of the Cancun Hotel Zone and the stunning turquoise Caribbean waters during the final approach into Mexico.
Lake Michigan Shoreline
Immediate views of the Milwaukee skyline and the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan upon departure.
Emerald Coast
Aerial perspective of the white-sand beaches near the Florida Panhandle and Alabama border as you cross into the Gulf.
Caribbean Coral Reefs
Intricate patterns of coral reefs and varying shades of azure water as the plane descends toward the Yucatan.
Cancun Hotel Zone
The world-famous '7' shaped strip of luxury resorts nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon.
Cozumel Island
On many flight paths, you can spot the island of Cozumel and cruise ships docked in the distance to the southeast.
Book a window seat on the left for morning departures to catch the sunrise reflecting off the water. During the final 15 minutes of the flight, stay alert; the pilot often banks in a way that provides a perfect panoramic view of the hotel zone. This side also avoids the direct glare of the afternoon sun for most of the southbound journey.
Midwest Heartland
Expansive views of the geometric patterns created by Illinois and Indiana farmland during the first hour of flight.
Mississippi Delta
Distances views of the winding river systems and coastal bayous of Louisiana before heading out over the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Oil Rigs
Look closely at the deep blue Gulf waters to spot isolated oil platforms and cargo ships navigating the shipping lanes.
Yucatan Jungle
An endless green canopy of dense tropical forest as the plane crosses over the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancun City Center
A view of the bustling downtown area of Cancun, contrasting with the coastal resort areas just moments before landing.
Choose the right side for afternoon or evening flights to experience spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. It is also the better side for viewing the dense, mysterious jungle terrain of inland Mexico as you approach the airport. Use a polarized lens for photos to cut through the haze over the Gulf for clearer shots of the coastline.
Distance: 2,438 km (1,515 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 15 min
Departure: MKE (42.94720077514648, -87.89659881591797)
Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)
Route Type: International
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