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PTY β MBJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the Panama Canal's locks and the impressive Panama City skyline immediately after takeoff, followed by the iconic Seven Mile Beach in Negril during the final approach into Montego Bay.
Panama Canal Locks
Witness the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks where massive vessels transition between the Pacific and the canal.
Panama City Skyline
A spectacular view of the 'Dubai of Latin America' with its gleaming skyscrapers along the Bay of Panama.
Gatun Lake
The massive man-made lake that forms a major part of the canal, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest.
Chagres River
The winding river that feeds the canal system, visible cutting through dense jungle terrain.
Negril's Seven Mile Beach
As the plane turns for its final approach into MBJ, you can often see the crystal-clear waters and white sands of western Jamaica.
Book an 'A' window seat for the best perspective. For the Panama Canal view, the first 10 minutes after departure from PTY are crucial. Morning flights (before 10:00 AM) offer the clearest views before tropical convection clouds build up over the Isthmus and the Caribbean Sea.
PanamΓ‘ Viejo
The stone ruins of the original 16th-century Spanish settlement, destroyed by Henry Morgan.
Guna Yala Archipelago
Also known as the San Blas Islands, these hundreds of tiny coral atolls look like white dots in the turquoise Caribbean.
Cockpit Country
As you descend into Jamaica, view the unique limestone karst landscape with its deep pits and steep hillocks.
Montego Bay Marine Park
Clear views of the protected coral reefs and turquoise lagoons surrounding the airport area upon landing.
The right side is excellent for spotting the San Blas Islands shortly after reaching cruise altitude. When approaching Jamaica, look for the rugged South Coast terrain. Sit in front of or well behind the wing to ensure your view of the islands and the Jamaican coastline isn't obstructed by the engine or winglet.
Distance: 1,061 km (659 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: MBJ (18.503700256347656, -77.91339874267578)
Route Type: International
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