Right-side seats win overall due to superior takeoff views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and Madrid's geography. While landing favors the left for coastal views, the 50-minute flight path over central Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar region offers more sustained visual interest from the right side, including views of the Spanish plateau and eventual approach to the Moroccan coast.
Flown MAD to CMN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madrid to Casablanca is 540 miles (869 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
The flight crosses central Spain's Meseta plateau (relatively featureless at altitude), then approaches the Strait of Gibraltar region. The Sierra Morena mountains may be visible to the south of the direct route. As you descend toward Casablanca, the transition from Spanish interior to the Moroccan coastal plain becomes apparent, with the Atlantic Ocean becoming increasingly dominant on the left side of the aircraft.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MAD
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the climb-out over Madrid's urban sprawl and the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north. Barajas typically departs runways 32L/R heading northwest, which positions northbound climbs perfectly for viewing the mountain range that frames the city's northern edge.
Landing at CMN
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Casablanca. Typical approach vectors use runways 33L/R, which means descending from the northeast over the Atlantic coastal plain. Left seats face the Atlantic Ocean and the Casablanca waterfront, including the Hassan II Mosque and harbor area as you descend toward touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barajas (MAD) to Mohammed V (CMN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madrid to Casablanca. Right-side seats win overall due to superior takeoff views of the Sierra de Guadarrama and Madrid's geography. While landing favors the left for coastal views, the 50-minute flight path over central Spain and the Strait of Gibraltar region offers more sustained visual interest from the right side, including views of the Spanish plateau and eventual approach to the Moroccan coast.
What can I see during takeoff from Barajas in Madrid?
During takeoff from Barajas (MAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over Madrid's urban sprawl and the Sierra de Guadarrama to the north. Barajas typically departs runways 32L/R heading northwest, which positions northbound climbs perfectly for viewing the mountain range that frames the city's northern edge. Notable sights include: Sierra de Guadarrama (snow-capped in winter, visible as a distinct ridge 30 miles north), Madrid city center with its grid pattern and Retiro Park, Manzanares River valley cutting through the urban area, suburban sprawl extending toward the mountains.
What can I see when landing at Mohammed V in Casablanca?
When landing at Mohammed V (CMN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Casablanca. Typical approach vectors use runways 33L/R, which means descending from the northeast over the Atlantic coastal plain. Left seats face the Atlantic Ocean and the Casablanca waterfront, including the Hassan II Mosque and harbor area as you descend toward touchdown. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean (dominant feature to the left), Casablanca harbor and port facilities, Hassan II Mosque (distinctive white structure on the waterfront), coastal plains and agricultural areas inland from the city.
How long is the flight from Madrid to Casablanca?
The flight from Barajas (MAD) to Mohammed V (CMN) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 540 miles (869 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madrid to Casablanca flight path pass over?
The flight crosses central Spain's Meseta plateau (relatively featureless at altitude), then approaches the Strait of Gibraltar region. The Sierra Morena mountains may be visible to the south of the direct route. As you descend toward Casablanca, the transition from Spanish interior to the Moroccan coastal plain becomes apparent, with the Atlantic Ocean becoming increasingly dominant on the left side of the aircraft.