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ORD destination photo
PTY destination photo

ORDPTY

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the Yucatan Peninsula's turquoise coastline and the most dramatic perspectives of the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake during the descent into Panama City.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🚜

Midwestern Grids

The iconic geometric patchwork of Illinois and Indiana farmland creates a stunning tapestry from 35,000 feet.

🏝️

Yucatan Coastline

As you cross the Gulf, the white sands and coral reefs of Cancun and Cozumel are frequently visible.

🚢

Panama Canal Locks

An unparalleled view of the Gatun Locks and large cargo ships waiting to transit the canal.

💧

Gatun Lake

The massive man-made lake that forms the central part of the canal, surrounded by lush, protected rainforest.

🌉

Centennial Bridge

One of the major spans over the canal, visible as the plane descends over the Isthmus of Panama.

The right side is the clear winner for engineering enthusiasts. To see the Panama Canal clearly, try to book a daytime flight. For the best photography of the Yucatan and the Canal, sit several rows ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat haze and wing obstruction.

Left Side Highlights
7.5
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Dramatic views of the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan shoreline immediately after departure from O'Hare.

⛰️

Appalachian Foothills

The rolling green ridges of the Tennessee and Alabama border regions are visible in the first two hours of flight.

🌊

Deep Caribbean

Expansive views of the deep blue Caribbean Sea and occasional views of the western Cuban coastline or the Cayman Islands.

🏢

Panama City Skyline

A view of the 'Miami of the South' with its dense cluster of modern skyscrapers as the plane loops for its final approach.

🌅

Eastern Sunrise

For early morning departures, this side provides a front-row seat to the sunrise over the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Choose the left side for morning flights if you enjoy the sunrise, but be prepared for high-altitude glare. This side is better for seeing the density of Panama City's high-rises if the flight path approaches from the Pacific side of the airport.

Top Activities in Panama City
Route Information

Distance: 3,753 km (2,332 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 25 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)

Route Type: International

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