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SJO → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior mix of Caribbean coastal views, a direct look at the Cuban capital, and the iconic Florida Space Coast during the northward transit.
Irazú and Turrialba
Visible shortly after departure, these massive volcanoes represent the highest peaks in Costa Rica's Central Volcanic Range.
Havana and Cuban Coast
The flight path typically crosses directly over or just east of Havana, offering clear views of the Malecón and the harbor.
Kennedy Space Center
Cruising over Florida, you can spot the massive VAB building and launch pads of Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic coast.
Florida Gold Coast
Enjoy sprawling views of the turquoise waters and dense urban development of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
Piedmont Plateau
Descending into North Carolina, observe the dense pine forests and rolling hills characteristic of the American Southeast.
The right side is the 'star' for landmarks, particularly for spotting the Florida coastline and the city of Havana. For photography, use a high shutter speed when passing over Cuba to capture the urban grid. Be aware that on afternoon flights, the sun will be on this side, which can cause significant glare on the window.
Poás Volcano
Immediately after takeoff from SJO, look for the massive active crater and sulfurous lagoons of Poás to the northwest.
Lake Nicaragua
A stunning view of Central America's largest lake, often featuring the twin volcanic peaks of Ometepe Island rising from the water.
Florida Everglades
As the flight enters U.S. airspace, the vast, green expanse of the River of Grass is visible stretching toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Charlotte Skyline
During the final descent into CLT, the left side often provides a clear view of the 'Uptown' financial district skyscrapers.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct tropical sun. This side is also preferred for views of the Ometepe volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua, which are a major geographic highlight of the first hour of flight. Keep your window shade down during the mid-flight ocean crossing to reduce cabin heat.
Distance: 2,824 km (1,755 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 46 min
Departure: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: International
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