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SFB → SPI
Which side of the plane to sit from Orlando Sanford International Airport (Sanford) to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (Springfield)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more direct view of major metropolitan landmarks like Nashville and the significant river confluences of the mid-South.
Lake Monroe
Visible immediately after takeoff from SFB, offering a beautiful view of the St. Johns River basin.
Huntsville Area
Glimpses of northern Alabama and the Tennessee River valley as the flight heads northwest.
Nashville Skyline
Clear views of the 'Music City' skyscrapers and the Cumberland River winding through the downtown core.
Ohio River Confluence
As you enter Illinois, watch for the massive intersection of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers near Paducah.
Shawnee National Forest
A striking contrast of dense green timberland against the flat agricultural plains of Southern Illinois.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side provides the best angle for spotting the Nashville urban center and the complex river systems of the border states. In winter, the landscape transition from tropical Florida to snowy Illinois is very apparent from this side.
Lake Jesup
The 'Alligator Capital' of Central Florida is clearly visible to the east during the initial climb.
Appalachian Horizon
On clear days, the distant hazy blue peaks of the southern Appalachian range can be seen to the east.
Kentucky Bluegrass
The rolling hills and horse farm patchworks of central Kentucky are prominent during the mid-flight cruise.
Illinois Prairies
The vast, geometric grid of the American Corn Belt becomes the primary view during the descent into SPI.
Springfield Capitol
Upon final approach, look for the tall dome of the Illinois State Capitol rising above the city skyline.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the sunset over the midwestern horizon. It offers a broader view of the rural landscape and the expansive agricultural patterns of the heartland. Keep an eye out for the distinct grid patterns of the Illinois road system during the final 20 minutes.
Distance: 1,453 km (903 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)
Arrival: SPI (39.84410095, -89.67790222)
Route Type: Domestic
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