While takeoff favors the right for Andean views, the landing experience on the left is substantially more rewarding—Biscayne Bay and the Keys are far more visually striking than the Everglades approach. The left side captures the most memorable portion of the flight.
Flown CLO to MIA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cali to Miami is 1,559 miles (2,509 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea at roughly 15,000-25,000 feet. Notable features include the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as a low, flat landmass if passing near it), the Bahama Banks (shallow turquoise waters with visible sand patterns), and the Straits of Florida (deeper blue water separating the Bahamas from Florida's west coast). Most of the cruise segment is open water with scattered cumulus clouds. The Bahama Islands appear as small, low islands with white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons if the flight path passes within 30-50 miles.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLO
RIGHTCLO typically departs on runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Right-side seats offer the best view of the Cauca River valley and the western cordillera of the Colombian Andes during initial climb. The terrain rises steeply to the east, so westward views are more open and dramatic.
Landing at MIA
LEFTApproaching MIA typically uses runways 08L/R or 09L/R (eastbound into the Atlantic). Left-side seats provide superior views of Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys chain extending southwest, and the Miami Beach barrier island. Right-side views are dominated by the Everglades, which are less visually distinctive at altitude.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International (CLO) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cali to Miami. While takeoff favors the right for Andean views, the landing experience on the left is substantially more rewarding—Biscayne Bay and the Keys are far more visually striking than the Everglades approach. The left side captures the most memorable portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International in Cali?
During takeoff from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International (CLO), sit on the Right side for the best views. CLO typically departs on runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Right-side seats offer the best view of the Cauca River valley and the western cordillera of the Colombian Andes during initial climb. The terrain rises steeply to the east, so westward views are more open and dramatic. Notable sights include: Cauca River (visible as a ribbon winding through the valley floor), Western Cordillera peaks (3,000-4,000m ridgeline to the west), Cali city sprawl (receding southward), Cristo Rey statue area on hillside.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching MIA typically uses runways 08L/R or 09L/R (eastbound into the Atlantic). Left-side seats provide superior views of Biscayne Bay, the Florida Keys chain extending southwest, and the Miami Beach barrier island. Right-side views are dominated by the Everglades, which are less visually distinctive at altitude. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay (turquoise shallow waters with visible sandbars and reef structure), Florida Keys archipelago (chain of small islands extending toward the southwest horizon), Miami Beach and South Beach (narrow barrier island with dense development), Port of Miami (container terminals and cruise ship berths visible as geometric shapes).
How long is the flight from Cali to Miami?
The flight from Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International (CLO) to Miami International (MIA) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,559 miles (2,509 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cali to Miami flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea at roughly 15,000-25,000 feet. Notable features include the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as a low, flat landmass if passing near it), the Bahama Banks (shallow turquoise waters with visible sand patterns), and the Straits of Florida (deeper blue water separating the Bahamas from Florida's west coast). Most of the cruise segment is open water with scattered cumulus clouds. The Bahama Islands appear as small, low islands with white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons if the flight path passes within 30-50 miles.