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RDU → MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, historic harbors, and the intricate barrier islands of the Southeastern United States.
Search flights from RDU to MCO
Cape Fear River
Watch the river meeting the Atlantic near Wilmington as you exit North Carolina.
The Grand Strand
A clear view of Myrtle Beach's continuous coastline and seaside resorts.
Charleston Harbor
Spot the iconic Ravenel Bridge and the historic Fort Sumter in the bay.
Tybee Island
The coastal gateway to Savannah, Georgia, featuring beautiful marshlands and beaches.
Jacksonville Coast
The mouth of the St. Johns River and the sprawling beaches of Northeast Florida.
Space Coast
On clear days during descent, the Kennedy Space Center launch pads are visible in the distance.
Sit on the left for the best water views. Morning flights will experience significant sun glare on this side; choose a mid-day or evening flight for the best photography conditions. As you descend, keep an eye out for the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA if the flight path is slightly coastal.
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Piedmont Sandhills
The rolling hills and dense pine forests of the Carolina interior.
Columbia Skyline
The capital city of South Carolina and the shimmering waters of Lake Murray.
Okefenokee Swamp
The vast, dark wetlands and prehistoric landscapes on the Georgia-Florida border.
St. Johns River
The river's inland segments winding through the Ocala National Forest region.
Downtown Orlando
The growing skyline and the myriad of circular lakes that define Central Florida.
Disney & Universal
Depending on the wind direction and approach path, the major theme parks are often visible during final descent.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct sun. It offers a great perspective of Orlando's inland lakes. If MCO is landing to the south, the right side provides the best chance to see the iconic theme park landmarks like Spaceship Earth or the Orlando Eye.
Book Hotels in OrlandoDistance: 861 km (535 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: Domestic
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