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ORF β MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Norfolk International Airport (Norfolk) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the Florida Space Coast during the descent into Orlando.
Virginia Beach Coastline
Immediately after takeoff from ORF, see the expansive Atlantic Ocean meeting the resort-lined shores of Virginia Beach.
The Outer Banks
View the narrow ribbons of sand that make up the OBX, including the distinct capes and lighthouses along the North Carolina coast.
Charleston Harbor
As you head south, look for the historic harbor of Charleston, South Carolina, and the iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.
Kennedy Space Center
On the descent, catch a glimpse of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads at Cape Canaveral along the Florida coast.
Canaveral National Seashore
Spot the untouched dunes and pristine beaches of the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline on Florida's east coast.
Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to witness the sunrise over the Atlantic. During the descent into MCO, look for the VAB at Kennedy Space Centerβit is one of the largest buildings in the world by volume and is easily identifiable even from high altitudes.
Great Dismal Swamp
Shortly after departure, view the dense, dark forests and wetlands of this massive wildlife refuge straddling the VA/NC border.
Lowcountry Marshes
Observe the intricate network of tidal creeks and golden salt marshes typical of the Georgia and South Carolina coastline.
Jacksonville & St. Johns River
Look for the wide St. Johns River snaking through the city of Jacksonville as you cross into Florida.
Florida Lake District
As you approach Orlando, see hundreds of circular freshwater lakes reflecting the sky across the central Florida peninsula.
Orlando Skyline
Depending on the approach pattern, get a view of downtown Orlando's high-rises and the nearby citrus groves.
Choose the right side for afternoon or evening flights to enjoy the sunset over the inland forests and swamps. This side is also excellent for seeing the sheer number of sinkhole lakes that define the unique geology of Central Florida as the plane enters the MCO arrival pattern.
Distance: 1,055 km (656 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: ORF (36.89459991455078, -76.20120239257812)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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