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SXM → CLT
Which side of the plane to sit from Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior sequence of views, starting with the iconic turquoise lagoons of St. Maarten, followed by the stunning coral reefs of the Turks and Caicos, and finishing with a scenic crossing of the South Carolina coastline.
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Simpson Bay Lagoon
Immediate views of the turquoise lagoon and the yacht-filled marinas of St. Maarten after takeoff.
British Virgin Islands
Distant views of Anegada, the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, known for its low-lying coral limestone.
Caicos Bank
Breathtaking views of the vast, shallow neon-blue waters surrounding the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Grand Strand
A long, continuous stretch of beach visible as the flight transitions from the Atlantic over Myrtle Beach, SC.
Lake Wylie
A large man-made reservoir on the border of North and South Carolina seen during the final approach phase.
Book an 'A' or 'B' seat for the best Caribbean island views. For afternoon flights, the sun will be on the left (southwest), so keep your window shade partially down until you reach cruising altitude to avoid glare while photographing the reefs.
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Anguilla
A perfect, clear aerial view of the entire island of Anguilla just minutes after departing SXM.
The Atlantic Deep
Views over the Puerto Rico Trench area, where the ocean transitions to a deep, dark indigo color.
Outer Bahamian Cays
Depending on the specific airway, you may spot the easternmost islands of the Bahamas, such as San Salvador.
Uptown Charlotte
The best side for a dramatic view of the Charlotte skyline (Uptown) if the aircraft lands towards the south on runways 18L, 18C, or 18R.
The right side is the 'shadow side' for most of the flight, offering more consistent lighting for photos. It is the preferred side if your priority is seeing the Charlotte city skyscrapers during the final moments of the flight.
Book Hotels in CharlotteDistance: 2,597 km (1,614 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 28 min
Departure: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)
Route Type: International
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