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PIT destination photo
CUN destination photo

PITCUN

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides the superior angle for the iconic approach into Cancun, offering sweeping views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and the vibrant Hotel Zone just before landing.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Appalachian Ridges

Stunning views of the parallel mountain ridges and valleys through West Virginia and Virginia.

🏖️

Carolina Lowcountry

Glimpses of the Atlantic coastline and the intricate marshlands of the South Carolina coast.

🏙️

Jacksonville & Florida Coast

Aerial perspective of the St. Johns River and the northern Florida Atlantic beaches.

🌊

Straits of Florida

The deep blue transition where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf Stream near the Keys.

🏝️

Cancun Hotel Zone

The quintessential view of the narrow strip of white sand and turquoise water as you descend into CUN.

Sit on the left for the best sunrise views if taking an early morning flight. During the final descent into Cancun, the left side usually faces the turquoise Caribbean waters and the famous hotel strip if the plane approaches from the north. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Florida Keys for high-contrast water colors.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🛶

Ohio River Valley

The winding curves of the Ohio River shortly after takeoff from Pittsburgh.

🌲

Great Smoky Mountains

Distance views of the hazy blue peaks of the Smokies while passing over the Carolinas.

🛥️

Gulf of Mexico

A vast, serene expanse of deep blue water for the majority of the mid-flight duration.

🌿

Yucatan Peninsula

The dense tropical jungle of Mexico meeting the coastline as the plane nears its destination.

🌅

Western Sunset

On late afternoon flights, this side offers front-row seats to spectacular orange and pink sunsets over the Gulf.

The right side is ideal for evening flights to avoid direct morning sun and to catch a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It offers a unique view of the dense green canopy of the Yucatan jungle upon the final approach. Note that glare can be intense during midday flights, so keep your window shade partially closed until over the coast.

Top Activities in Cancun
Route Information

Distance: 2,253 km (1,400 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs

Departure: PIT (40.49150085, -80.23290253)

Arrival: CUN (21.036500930800003, -86.8770980835)

Route Type: International

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