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SCU → FCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Antonio Maceo International Airport (Santiago De Cuba) to Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the takeoff from Santiago Bay and spectacular perspectives of the Mediterranean islands, including Corsica and Sardinia, during the final approach to Italy.
Search flights from SCU to FCO
Castillo del Morro
A perfect aerial view of the historic fortress guarding the narrow entrance to Santiago de Cuba bay.
Atlantic Sunrise
As most flights to Europe are overnight, the right side provides a front-row seat to the sunrise over the ocean.
Iberian Interior
The high plateaus and arid landscapes of central Spain as the flight crosses towards the Mediterranean.
Corsica Peaks
The snow-capped granite peaks of the island of Corsica are a major highlight of the Mediterranean crossing.
Sardinian Coast
Emerald waters and white sandy beaches visible along the northern tip of Sardinia.
Lazio Coastline
The beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea coastline and the Tiber River delta just before landing at FCO.
The right side is highly recommended for the approach into Rome. Depending on the wind, you may fly directly over the Mediterranean islands of Corsica or Sardinia, which provide some of the most scenic views of the trip. Since this is an eastbound flight, the sun will rise on the right side; if you want to sleep, keep the window shade down, but open it as you reach the Mediterranean for the best landscape photography.
Book Hotels in RomeSierra Maestra
Dramatic views of Cuba's highest mountain range immediately after departing from Santiago.
Bahamian Archipelago
Distant glimpses of the southern turquoise cays of the Bahamas during the initial climb.
Azores Transition
The vast deep blue of the North Atlantic, occasionally passing north of the volcanic Azores islands.
Cantabrian Coast
Stunning views of the green northern coastline of Spain as the flight crosses into European airspace.
French Countryside
A patchwork of fields and historic towns if the route tracks across south-western France.
Civitavecchia Port
The major cruise port of Rome visible just north of Fiumicino during the final descent.
The left side is ideal for avoiding direct sunlight on eastbound transatlantic flights, providing a clearer view of the Sierra Maestra mountains in Cuba. For night flights, this side offers the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis if the flight takes a very northerly 'Great Circle' track, though this is rare for this specific route. Watch for the rugged northern coast of Spain as you re-enter land over Europe.
Get eSIMs for Cuba
Get eSIMs for ItalyDistance: 8,390 km (5,213 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 52 min
Departure: SCU (19.96980094909668, -75.83540344238281)
Arrival: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Route Type: International
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