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PTY → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from Tocumen International Airport (Panama City) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior departure view of the Panama City skyline and a more scenic approach into St. Maarten, capturing neighboring islands like St. Barths and Saba.
Panama City Skyline
Incredible views of the Paitilla and Costa del Este skyscrapers immediately after takeoff.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Look south to spot the snow-capped peaks of Colombia, the highest coastal mountains in the world.
ABC Islands
Distant views of Aruba and Curaçao are often possible depending on the specific air traffic control routing.
Saint Barthélemy
The rugged coastline of St. Barths becomes clearly visible as the plane begins its final turn toward Runway 10.
St. Maarten Coastline
A close-up view of the southern bays and the mountainous terrain of the island during the final approach.
The right side is the 'money side' for this route. It provides the iconic view of the Panama City skyline on departure and the beautiful Lesser Antilles islands on arrival. During the afternoon, be prepared for some sun glare; keep your window shade down until you reach scenic waypoints.
Panama Canal Entrance
View the Gatun Lake and the Atlantic locks of the canal shortly after departure from PTY.
Guna Yala Archipelago
The San Blas Islands appear as tiny white specks surrounded by turquoise coral reefs off Panama's coast.
Open Caribbean Sea
Expansive views of the deep blue Caribbean waters during the mid-flight cruise phase.
Anguilla
On the final descent into SXM, the flat, coral island of Anguilla is visible to the north.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. This side is also better for avoiding direct sunlight during morning departures.
Distance: 2,020 km (1,255 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 42 min
Departure: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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