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PTY → SJU
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Dominican Republic's coastline and the iconic arrival sequence into San Juan, featuring the historic forts and the colorful Old San Juan district.
Panama City Skyline
Aerial view of the 'Dubai of Latin America' with its soaring skyscrapers along the Pacific coast shortly after takeoff.
Dominican Republic Coastline
Detailed views of the southern coast of Hispaniola, passing near Santo Domingo and the resort areas of La Romana.
Punta Cana Reefs
Vibrant turquoise waters and coral reef systems visible as the flight crosses the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
Mona Island
The 'Galapagos of the Caribbean,' a rugged, uninhabited limestone plateau rising sharply from the Mona Passage.
Old San Juan
Breathtaking views of the 16th-century El Morro fortress and the brightly colored colonial buildings during the final approach.
For the most iconic entry into Puerto Rico, choose a window seat on the left. The standard approach into SJU (landing toward the East) passes directly along the northern coastline of San Juan. For morning flights, this side will be shaded, providing better lighting for photography of the Dominican coast and the San Juan harbor.
Pearl Islands
Distant views of the Archipiélago de las Perlas in the Gulf of Panama during the initial climb.
Guajira Peninsula
The northernmost tip of South America, where the Colombian desert meets the deep blue Caribbean Sea.
Caribbean Deep
Expansive views of the open ocean and various shipping lanes connecting the Panama Canal to the Atlantic.
Central Cordillera
The lush, green peaks of Puerto Rico's central mountain range visible during the descent into the metro area.
The right side is best for early-morning light over the Gulf of Panama, but be prepared for significant sun glare during afternoon flights as you travel Northeast. While it offers less land scenery than the left, it provides a great perspective of the island's mountainous interior if the flight path enters via the southern coast.
Distance: 1,780 km (1,106 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)
Route Type: International
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