Loading map...
SNA → MEX
Which side of the plane to sit from John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International Airport (Mexico City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for the spectacular views of the Sierra Madre mountains and the dramatic approach past the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes.
Search flights from SNA to MEX
San Jacinto Peak
Towering peaks as you depart Southern California and enter the desert.
Salton Sea
A massive, striking blue saline lake nestled in the California desert floor.
Sierra Madre Occidental
Dramatic and rugged mountain terrain with deep canyons through mainland Mexico.
El Bajío Region
Aerial views of Mexico's fertile high plateau and colonial-era landscapes.
Popocatépetl Volcano
The most iconic view on the route, featuring the active, snow-capped volcano near arrival.
Choose the left side for the morning sun and the incredible volcano views during the final 20 minutes of flight. Sit behind the wing to ensure your view of the Sierra Madre peaks isn't obstructed. Watch for the 'Smoking Mountain' (Popocatépetl) particularly during clear winter months when the air is crisp.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for Mexico
Newport Coast
Immediate views of the pristine Orange County coastline after departure from SNA.
Sea of Cortez
The contrast where the Sonoran desert meets the deep blue waters of the gulf.
Sinaloa Coastline
Views of the Pacific shoreline and the resort city of Mazatlán in the distance.
Nevado de Toluca
A massive extinct volcano with a large crater visible on the descent into the valley.
Santa Fe Skyline
The modern high-rise district of Mexico City visible during the final approach.
The right side is perfect for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Pacific. It also offers a great perspective of the massive urban sprawl and modern architecture of Mexico City's financial district during the descent. Keep your camera ready for the coastal transition near the US-Mexico border.
Book Hotels in Mexico CityDistance: 2,442 km (1,517 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 15 min
Departure: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Arrival: MEX (19.4363, -99.072098)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.