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SFB → SBN
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando Sanford International Airport (Sanford) to South Bend Regional Airport (South Bend)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of major metropolitan areas like Nashville and the winding Ohio River, along with spectacular sunset vistas on evening flights.
Lake Monroe
Clear views of the large lake immediately north of SFB during the initial climb phase.
Nashville Skyline
The 'Music City' skyline and the Cumberland River are often visible from cruise altitude.
The Ohio River
A major geographic landmark separating Kentucky and Indiana, often bustling with barge traffic.
Indianapolis Outskirts
The dense urban grid and surrounding suburbs of Indiana's capital appear to the west-northwest.
Western Horizon
Perfect for viewing vibrant colors and high-altitude cloud formations during late afternoon flights.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see the Nashville skyline roughly 60 minutes into the flight. For evening travel, this side catches the golden hour lighting over the rolling hills of Tennessee. Avoid the wing area, typically rows 10-18 on most narrow-body jets used on this route, for an unobstructed view of the terrain.
St. Johns River
Follow the winding path of Florida's longest river as it snakes north through the marshes.
Appalachian Foothills
On very clear days, the distant hazy peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains are visible to the east.
Cincinnati Metro
The sprawling suburban expansion of Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio can be spotted.
Midwestern Patchwork
Geometric patterns of Indiana's vast agricultural heartland create a distinct quilt-like landscape.
University of Notre Dame
Look for the iconic Golden Dome and stadium during the final descent into the South Bend area.
Early morning flyers should choose the right side to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic coastal plain. During the descent into SBN, look closely for the Notre Dame campus if the plane approaches from the east. Polarized sunglasses will help reduce glare when looking at the numerous small glacial lakes scattered throughout Northern Indiana.
Distance: 1,509 km (938 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min
Departure: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)
Arrival: SBN (41.70869827270508, -86.31729888916016)
Route Type: Domestic
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