About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Austin to Orlando. Right-side seats win for both segments of this flight. Takeoff offers Hill Country geology and Austin's river landscape, while landing provides the dramatic transition from urban Orlando to Florida's natural lake and wetland systems. The entire route benefits from right-side positioning.
What can I see during takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International in Austin?
During takeoff from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Austin typically departs runways 17L/17R or 35L/35R depending on wind. Right-side seats offer the best view during eastbound or southeastbound climbs, showing the Colorado River winding through downtown Austin and the Hill Country terrain rolling away to the south and west. Notable sights include: Colorado River (downtown Austin), Lady Bird Lake, Hill Country limestone ridges, Barton Springs area.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching MCO typically uses runways 09L/09R or 27L/27R. Right-side seats on eastbound approaches (most common) provide excellent views of the Orlando metropolitan area, the chain of lakes dotting central Florida, and the transition from developed areas to swampland and natural Florida terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka, Orlando downtown skyline, Florida's lake chain (Eustis, Dora, Harris), wetlands and cypress swamps.
How long is the flight from Austin to Orlando?
The flight from Austin Bergstrom International (AUS) to Orlando International (MCO) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Austin to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Texas and Louisiana, passing over the Piney Woods region of East Texas, then crosses the Mississippi River valley. Notable midpoint features include the transition from Texas Hill Country to coastal plains, the Mississippi River (visible as a wide, meandering feature around 35,000 feet), and Louisiana's bayou and swamp country. The Gulf of Mexico remains visible to the south throughout much of the flight. As the aircraft approaches Florida, the landscape flattens dramatically and the chain of central Florida lakes becomes increasingly prominent.