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SXM → PTY
Which side of the plane to sit from Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg) to Tocumen International Airport (Panama City)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Caribbean volcanic islands upon departure and the iconic Panama City skyline and Canal entrance during the arrival phase.
Saba & St. Eustatius
Shortly after departure, view the dramatic volcanic silhouettes of Mount Scenery and The Quill rising from the sea.
Panama Canal Entrance
Observe dozens of massive cargo ships anchored in the Bay of Panama waiting to enter the Pacific side of the canal.
Gatun Lake
During the descent, identify the massive man-made lake that forms a central part of the Panama Canal's transit system.
Panama City Skyline
Enjoy a front-row seat to the 'Dubai of Latin America' with its dense cluster of modern glass skyscrapers along the coast.
The right side is essential for the approach into Tocumen. If the aircraft lands from the south (Runway 03), you will get a panoramic view of the skyline. Avoid the wing area (rows 15-25 on most narrowbodies) for the best downward visibility.
Anguilla
Immediately after takeoff, catch a glimpse of the flat, coral limestone island and its white-sand beaches to the north.
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
On a clear day, view the world's highest coastal mountain range in Colombia, with peaks reaching over 18,000 feet.
Cartagena
View the sprawling historic walled city and the modern skyscrapers of Bocagrande along the Colombian coastline.
San Blas Islands
Look down upon the Guna Yala archipelago, a cluster of 365 tiny coconut-laden cays off the Panamanian coast.
Sit on the left for better views of the Colombian coastline and the San Blas archipelago. Morning flights are ideal to keep the sun on the opposite side of the plane, reducing glare for photography of the turquoise Caribbean waters.
Distance: 2,020 km (1,255 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 42 min
Departure: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Arrival: PTY (9.0713596344, -79.3834991455)
Route Type: International
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