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SAN → MEX
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the turquoise Gulf of California and the dramatic volcanic peaks surrounding the Valley of Mexico during the final approach.
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Gulf of California
Stunning views of the 'Sea of Cortez' with its deep blue waters contrasting against the desert coastline.
Nevado de Toluca
The massive, often snow-capped stratovolcano located west of Mexico City, visible during the descent.
Popocatépetl & Iztaccíhuatl
The legendary 'Smoking Mountain' and 'Sleeping Woman' volcanoes dominant the horizon on the approach to the valley.
Mexico City Basin
An incredible view of the sprawling megalopolis as the plane maneuvers for landing at Benito Juarez.
The right side is the 'volcano side.' For the best experience, choose an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the eastern volcanoes. Keep your camera ready during the last 15 minutes of the flight; if the arrival path comes from the north, you will see the twin volcanoes clearly to the southeast.
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San Diego & Tijuana
Aerial view of the international border and the dense urban landscape of northern Baja California shortly after takeoff.
Sonoran Desert
Vast stretches of arid landscapes and unique geological formations as the flight crosses into mainland Mexico.
Sierra Madre Occidental
The rugged, jagged peaks and deep canyons of Mexico's primary western mountain range.
Querétaro & Central Highlands
Overview of the high-altitude plateau cities and industrial corridors leading into the capital region.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the harsh glare of the eastern sun. This side is ideal for observing the deep shadows and textures of the Sierra Madre canyons during mid-day flights. During the landing at MEX, this side often sees the dense urban sprawl of the northern suburbs.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for MexicoDistance: 2,330 km (1,448 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 6 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Route Type: International
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