About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Orlando. Left side delivers the dramatic Rocky Mountain Front Range view on departure and the Florida lake district on approach. The right side offers Kansas and Oklahoma plains on climb-out and suburban Orlando on landing — far less visually compelling. Left wins the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN typically departs east or southeast on runways 17L/R or 35L/R depending on wind. When departing south or banking southeast toward MCO, the left side faces west and southwest, giving a direct view of the Front Range of the Rockies including Pikes Peak and the Denver metro spread across the plains below. This is the money shot leaving Denver. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak (14,115 ft), Denver downtown skyline, Cherry Creek Reservoir.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. MCO typically lands on runways 17L/R from the north or 35L/R from the south. On a standard approach from the north on runway 17, the aircraft tracks south and the left side faces east, looking over the Space Coast and Atlantic coastline. On the more common northerly approach, left side also captures Lake Tohopekaliga and the chain of central Florida lakes. Either way, left wins for water features. Notable sights include: Lake Tohopekaliga, East Lake Tohopekaliga, Chain of Lakes (Osceola County), Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center on the distant Atlantic horizon.
How long is the flight from Denver to Orlando?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Orlando International (MCO) takes Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Denver to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the Kansas plains, clipping the Oklahoma panhandle region, then crosses Arkansas and Mississippi before entering the Gulf Coast states. Midpoint features include the flat agricultural grid of Kansas and Oklahoma, the Arkansas River valley, the Mississippi River crossing near Memphis (visible as a wide brown ribbon), and the piney woods of northern Mississippi and Alabama before the flat coastal plain of Florida begins.