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PHX → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side is superior for its sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, the Mississippi River Delta, and the iconic white-sand beaches of the Florida Panhandle during the descent into Orlando.
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Gila National Forest
Expansive views of the mountainous, pine-covered wilderness in southwestern New Mexico.
Mississippi Delta
The intricate network of bayous and the mouth of the Mississippi River flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Emerald Coast
Stunning views of Destin and Panama City Beach, known for turquoise waters and brilliant white quartz sand.
Mobile Bay
Large inlet of the Gulf of Mexico featuring busy shipping lanes and the historic Alabama coastline.
Central Florida Lakes
A final approach over the hundreds of circular lakes surrounding the Orlando area.
The right side is best for afternoon flights as the sun moves behind the plane, illuminating the Gulf Coast. During the descent, keep a close eye out for the distinctive emerald waters of the Florida Panhandle. If the plane approaches MCO from the east, you might even catch a glimpse of the Kennedy Space Center launch pads in the distance.
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Superstition Mountains
Dramatic volcanic peaks and rugged wilderness located just east of the Phoenix metro area.
New Mexico Mesas
Geometric rock formations and colorful high-desert plateaus as you cross the Continental Divide.
Texas Panhandle
Vast stretches of agricultural grid patterns and the northern reaches of the Llano Estacado.
Mississippi River
A view of the massive waterway winding through the lush green floodplains near the border of Arkansas and Mississippi.
Apalachicola National Forest
Dense, dark green canopy of Northern Florida’s largest forest during the initial descent.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. This side offers better views of the high-altitude desert transitions and the northern edges of the Appalachian foothills if the flight path tracks slightly north. Watch for the 'Red River' which marks the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 2,970 km (1,845 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 58 min
Departure: PHX (33.43429946899414, -112.01200103759766)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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