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YYZ โ SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior due to the high probability of seeing Niagara Falls shortly after takeoff and the expansive views of Lake Nicaragua during the descent.
Niagara Falls
Usually visible about 5 to 8 minutes after takeoff from YYZ as the plane heads toward the US border.
Gulf of Mexico
Expansive views of the deep blue Gulf as the route bypasses the western edge of Florida.
Yucatรกn Channel
Shipping lanes and the distant outline of the Mexican coast may be visible depending on the jetway.
Lake Nicaragua
A massive freshwater lake featuring Ometepe Island's twin volcanoes, visible just before entering Costa Rican airspace.
Poรกs Volcano
One of Costa Rica's most active volcanoes, frequently visible on the right during the final descent into Alajuela.
The right side is highly recommended for the iconic Niagara Falls view; sit behind the wing for the best photo angle. Afternoon flights on this side may experience direct sun glare, so bring a window shade. The highlight of this route is Lake Nicaragua and the volcanic chain which usually sits perfectly in the right-side window frame 20 minutes before landing.
Toronto Skyline
Aerial view of the CN Tower and the downtown core if the flight departs towards the south or east.
Appalachian Ridges
The distinctive folded mountain patterns of Pennsylvania and West Virginia are visible mid-flight.
Atlantic Coastline
Glimpses of the Carolina beaches and the Florida Peninsula as the aircraft tracks south.
Caribbean Reefs
Vibrant turquoise waters and small cays visible as you cross between Florida and Central America.
Irazu Volcano
On final approach, the eastern volcanic range of Costa Rica often appears through the clouds.
Choose the left side for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic. This side is also better for seeing the dense urban sprawl of the US East Coast during the first half of the trip. During the descent into SJO, the left side often looks toward the Braulio Carrillo National Park forests.
Distance: 3,771 km (2,343 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 26 min
Departure: YYZ (43.6772003174, -79.63059997559999)
Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)
Route Type: International
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