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SJU → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this route as it typically offers views of historic Old San Juan during takeoff and the stunning San Blas archipelago and Panama Canal infrastructure during the approach into Panama.
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Old San Juan
A classic view of the 16th-century El Morro fortress and the colorful colonial buildings of the old city.
San Blas Islands
The Guna Yala archipelago featuring hundreds of tiny coral islands with white sand and turquoise reefs near Panama's coast.
Gatun Lake
The enormous man-made lake that serves as the heart of the Panama Canal's water system.
Panama Canal Locks
Views of the Agua Clara locks on the Atlantic side where massive ships begin their transit between oceans.
The right side is a must for aviation and engineering enthusiasts. For the best views of the San Blas islands, which usually appear about 20-30 minutes before landing, try to secure a seat in front of the wing. Afternoon flights can be bumpy due to tropical convection over the Isthmus, so early morning flights are recommended for the clearest views of the Canal infrastructure.
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San Juan Gold Coast
Aerial views of the popular Isla Verde and Condado beach districts immediately after takeoff from SJU.
Cordillera Central
The lush green peaks of Puerto Rico's central mountain range visible as the plane tracks toward the southwest.
Caribbean Sea
Vast stretches of the deep blue Caribbean basin during the cruise phase of the flight.
Panama City Skyline
A glimpse of the modern 'Mini-Miami' skyscraper cluster in Panama City during the final descent.
Choose the left side for morning departures to have the sun behind you, providing better lighting for photos of the Puerto Rican coastline. During the descent into PTY, keep your camera ready for the dense skyscraper clusters of the Costa del Este district, which often appear on the left during a standard southern approach.
Get eSIMs for Puerto Rico
Get eSIMs for PanamaDistance: 1,780 km (1,106 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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