The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Andes departure view, which is one of the most dramatic takeoff panoramas in South America. The left side also tracks the Gulf of Mexico coastline during the northern portion of the flight. The landing views at DFW are relatively modest on either side given the flat terrain, so the Andes departure experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
Flown LIM to DFW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lima to Dallas-Fort Worth is 3,370 miles (5,424 km), a flight of about 8 hours 30 minutes.
After departing Lima the route crosses the Andes into the Amazon basin, then tracks over Colombia and Venezuela or the Caribbean Sea depending on routing. Over the Gulf of Mexico the left side may offer views of the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuban coastline at distance. The route then crosses the Texas Gulf Coast near Corpus Christi or Houston before the final approach into DFW over the flat North Texas plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIM
LEFTJorge Chavez typically departs runway 15 heading southeast or runway 33 heading northwest. On the dominant northbound departure toward DFW, the left side faces east toward the Andes. The left window gives you the dramatic escarpment of the Western Cordillera rising immediately behind Lima, with peaks like Nevado Ticlio visible in the distance, while the right side faces the Pacific Ocean and Lima's coastal sprawl.
Landing at DFW
RIGHTDFW typically lands from the south or east on runways oriented roughly north-south. On approach from the south, the right side faces west toward Fort Worth and the open Texas plains, but more importantly the left side faces east toward Dallas proper. However, on the standard southerly approach to DFW's east runways (17C/17R), the right side gives a clear view of Fort Worth's downtown skyline and the sprawling DFW metroplex to the west and northwest, which is the more visually interesting perspective as you descend over the flat Texas terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lima to Dallas-Fort Worth. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Andes departure view, which is one of the most dramatic takeoff panoramas in South America. The left side also tracks the Gulf of Mexico coastline during the northern portion of the flight. The landing views at DFW are relatively modest on either side given the flat terrain, so the Andes departure experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima?
During takeoff from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Jorge Chavez typically departs runway 15 heading southeast or runway 33 heading northwest. On the dominant northbound departure toward DFW, the left side faces east toward the Andes. The left window gives you the dramatic escarpment of the Western Cordillera rising immediately behind Lima, with peaks like Nevado Ticlio visible in the distance, while the right side faces the Pacific Ocean and Lima's coastal sprawl. Notable sights include: Western Cordillera of the Andes rising east of Lima, the Rio Rimac valley cutting into the foothills, Lima's dense urban grid and Callao port district below, Pacific Ocean coastline stretching north and south.
What can I see when landing at Dallas Fort Worth International in Dallas-Fort Worth?
When landing at Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DFW typically lands from the south or east on runways oriented roughly north-south. On approach from the south, the right side faces west toward Fort Worth and the open Texas plains, but more importantly the left side faces east toward Dallas proper. However, on the standard southerly approach to DFW's east runways (17C/17R), the right side gives a clear view of Fort Worth's downtown skyline and the sprawling DFW metroplex to the west and northwest, which is the more visually interesting perspective as you descend over the flat Texas terrain. Notable sights include: Fort Worth downtown skyline to the west, Lake Grapevine to the northeast, the DFW airport complex itself visible below, the flat Texas plains and suburban grid of the Metroplex.
How long is the flight from Lima to Dallas-Fort Worth?
The flight from Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) to Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) takes about 8 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,370 miles (5,424 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lima to Dallas-Fort Worth flight path pass over?
After departing Lima the route crosses the Andes into the Amazon basin, then tracks over Colombia and Venezuela or the Caribbean Sea depending on routing. Over the Gulf of Mexico the left side may offer views of the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuban coastline at distance. The route then crosses the Texas Gulf Coast near Corpus Christi or Houston before the final approach into DFW over the flat North Texas plains.