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MSY → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (New Orleans) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a continuous panorama of the Northern Gulf Coast, including the Mississippi Delta, white-sand beaches of the Emerald Coast, and major bay systems.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway
Shortly after takeoff, view the world's longest bridge over water stretching across the lake.
Mobile Bay
A clear view of the Port of Mobile and the USS Alabama battleship anchored in the bay.
The Emerald Coast
Stunning views of the bright white sands and turquoise waters of Pensacola Beach and Destin.
Tallahassee
The Florida state capital and its distinctive high-rise capitol building are visible as you cross inland.
Apalachicola National Forest
A vast expanse of dense pine flatwoods and swamps stretching toward the horizon.
Orlando North Corridor
Aerial views of the sprawling suburban lakes and golf courses of Northern Orlando during descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. Look out immediately after departure from MSY for the intricate winding marshes of the Mississippi River Delta and the massive Lake Pontchartrain.
Open Gulf of Mexico
Expansive views of the deep blue Gulf waters and occasional offshore oil platforms.
Chandeleur Islands
A remote chain of barrier islands visible as a thin crescent in the Gulf.
Cedar Key
The jagged, marshy coastline of Florida's Nature Coast as the plane begins its inland turn.
Walt Disney World
Depending on the approach pattern into MCO, you may spot Epcot's Spaceship Earth and the Magic Kingdom to the south.
The right side is ideal for sunset views during evening flights. During the final approach into MCO, look for the distinct cluster of theme park landmarks and the massive logistics hubs of central Florida.
Distance: 886 km (551 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min
Departure: MSY (29.99340057373047, -90.25800323486328)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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