Right-side seats win on takeoff with clear water and coastal views, and while left wins on landing, the takeoff experience is more dramatic and visually distinctive. The Straits of Florida crossing is the flight's most striking geographic feature.
Flown HAV to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Havana to Mexico City is 1,100 miles (1,771 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
Yucatan Channel (body of water between Cuba and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula), Yucatan Peninsula coastline with Caribbean Sea to the south, Gulf of Mexico to the north, flat limestone terrain of the Yucatan visible during cruise altitude, transition from Caribbean tropical waters to Gulf of Mexico waters
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HAV
RIGHTHAV typically departs eastbound on Runway 06 or westbound on Runway 24. Right-side seats offer the best view during initial climb regardless of runway direction—you'll see the Straits of Florida and the northern Cuban coastline receding beneath the aircraft.
Landing at MEX
LEFTMEX uses Runways 05L/05R for eastbound arrivals and 23L/23R for westbound. Most traffic arrives from the northeast on 05L/05R. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Mexico City's urban sprawl, the Valley of Mexico, and the surrounding volcanic peaks as you descend into the basin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jose Marti International (HAV) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Havana to Mexico City. Right-side seats win on takeoff with clear water and coastal views, and while left wins on landing, the takeoff experience is more dramatic and visually distinctive. The Straits of Florida crossing is the flight's most striking geographic feature.
What can I see during takeoff from Jose Marti International in Havana?
During takeoff from Jose Marti International (HAV), sit on the Right side for the best views. HAV typically departs eastbound on Runway 06 or westbound on Runway 24. Right-side seats offer the best view during initial climb regardless of runway direction—you'll see the Straits of Florida and the northern Cuban coastline receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Straits of Florida (body of water separating Cuba from Florida Keys), Havana harbor and waterfront district, northern Cuban coastline with mangrove areas, Atlantic Ocean horizon.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Left side for the best views. MEX uses Runways 05L/05R for eastbound arrivals and 23L/23R for westbound. Most traffic arrives from the northeast on 05L/05R. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Mexico City's urban sprawl, the Valley of Mexico, and the surrounding volcanic peaks as you descend into the basin. Notable sights include: Valley of Mexico (high-altitude basin at 7,382 feet elevation), Mexico City urban area with visible street grid, Popocatépetl volcano (17,802 feet, southeast of approach path), Sierra de Guadalupe mountains (north of city).
How long is the flight from Havana to Mexico City?
The flight from Jose Marti International (HAV) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,100 miles (1,771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Havana to Mexico City flight path pass over?
Yucatan Channel (body of water between Cuba and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula), Yucatan Peninsula coastline with Caribbean Sea to the south, Gulf of Mexico to the north, flat limestone terrain of the Yucatan visible during cruise altitude, transition from Caribbean tropical waters to Gulf of Mexico waters