Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Havana to Madrid. The takeoff from Havana on the left side offers more dramatic and colorful scenery with the Straits of Florida and Caribbean waters. While the landing approach into Madrid on the right provides mountain views, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and memorable.

During takeoff from Jose Marti International (HAV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Straits of Florida and the northern Cuban coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward. Right side faces inland toward central Cuba with less dramatic scenery during initial climb. Notable sights include: Straits of Florida, Florida Keys (distant), Havana Bay, northern Cuban coastline.

When landing at Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Spanish Meseta Central (central plateau) and the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains as the aircraft descends toward Madrid from the northwest. Left side faces toward Portugal with less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama, Meseta Central plateau, Tagus River valley, Madrid city sprawl.

The flight from Jose Marti International (HAV) to Barajas (MAD) takes 8h 15m.

The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 3,600 nautical miles. Notable features include the Bahamas Banks (visible shortly after departure as shallow turquoise water), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), the Azores archipelago (if passing south of direct route—visible as small volcanic islands), and the Portuguese coast approaching landfall near Lisbon before turning southeast toward Madrid.