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SJO โ MCO
Which side of the plane to sit from Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose) to Orlando International Airport (Orlando)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of views, starting with Costa Rica's towering Caribbean-facing volcanoes and ending with the iconic Florida Keys and Lake Okeechobee.
Irazรบ & Turrialba
These two massive volcanoes dominate the eastern horizon during the initial climb out of the Central Valley.
Tortuguero Canals
View the intricate maze of jungle waterways and turtle nesting beaches along Costa Rica's Caribbean coastline.
Jardines del Rey
The brilliant turquoise waters and coral reefs of northern Cuba offer stunning color contrasts from 35,000 feet.
The Florida Keys
Often visible during the descent, the island chain and the Overseas Highway stretch across the shallow blue waters.
Lake Okeechobee
Florida's massive inland sea provides a landmark reference point as the aircraft begins its final approach into MCO.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. It provides the best perspective of the Florida Keys and the Atlantic coastline of Florida. Look out for Cape Canaveral and the Space Coast in the distance as you descend toward Orlando.
Poรกs Volcano
Visible shortly after departure from SJO, this massive crater often shows steam activity against the green landscape.
Sierra de los Organos
As the flight crosses Cuba, look for the unique flat-topped mogotes and limestone hills of the Pinar del Rรญo region.
Everglades National Park
Witness the vast, shimmering wetlands of the 'River of Grass' as the flight enters Florida's southern airspace.
Gulf Coast Sunset
On late afternoon flights, the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, casting a golden glow over the Florida coastline.
Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. It is also the preferred side for viewing the western edge of the Everglades and the urban expansion of Florida's west coast during the approach into Orlando.
Distance: 2,072 km (1,287 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 46 min
Departure: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)
Route Type: International
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