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SWF destination photo
MCO destination photo

SWFMCO

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this North-to-South route as it hugs the Atlantic coastline, offering views of the Jersey Shore, the Outer Banks, and a prime perspective of the Kennedy Space Center during the descent into Florida.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Hudson Highlands

Aerial views of the winding Hudson River and the lush green hills of the Hudson Valley immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Atlantic Coastline

Clear views of the Jersey Shore's barrier islands and the bustling boardwalks of Atlantic City.

⚓

Chesapeake Bay

A sweeping view of the Delmarva Peninsula and the intricate waterways leading into the Atlantic.

🏖️

The Outer Banks

The thin, iconic ribbon of North Carolina's barrier islands, including the distinctive Cape Hatteras.

🚀

Kennedy Space Center

A spectacular view of the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads at Cape Canaveral during the approach.

Sit on the left for morning flights to keep the sun behind the plane, avoiding glare. Keep your camera ready about 20-30 minutes before landing to catch the Kennedy Space Center. During winter, the coastline is particularly sharp due to lower humidity.

Right Side Highlights
6.8
🏔️

Appalachian Mountains

Distant views of the blue-toned ridges of the Appalachian range running parallel to the flight path.

🏛️

Mid-Atlantic Metros

Glimpses of the urban sprawl and skylines of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. to the west.

🌲

Carolina Piedmont

A vast tapestry of southern pine forests and rolling agricultural land throughout Virginia and the Carolinas.

🐊

Florida Lake District

The unique landscape of thousands of circular freshwater lakes that define the terrain of Central Florida.

🎢

Orlando Theme Parks

Depending on the landing pattern, you may spot the high-altitude profiles of major theme park landmarks.

The right side is ideal for evening flights to witness the sunset over the mainland. It offers a great perspective of the 'Chain of Lakes' in Florida as the plane banks for its final approach into MCO.

Top Activities in Orlando
Route Information

Distance: 1,594 km (990 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 8 min

Departure: SWF (41.50410079956055, -74.10479736328125)

Arrival: MCO (28.429399490356445, -81.30899810791016)

Route Type: Domestic

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