MCO

Best window seat at Orlando International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World area lakes, Lake Buena Vista

LandingRIGHT

Downtown Orlando skyline, Central Florida lakes, Walt Disney World area in the distance

🛫 Taking Off from Orlando (MCO)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting south on runway 18R, the right side faces west toward downtown Orlando's skyline and the sprawling lake-dotted terrain toward Walt Disney World and Lake Buena Vista. The left side mostly shows flat, undeveloped land east of the airport with fewer distinguishing features.
Look forDowntown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World area lakes, Lake Buena Vista, numerous central Florida lakes near International Drive
Left window seat view during takeoff from Orlando (MCO) — Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World area lakes, Lake Buena Vista, numerous central Florida lakes near International DriveLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Orlando (MCO) — Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World area lakes, Lake Buena Vista, numerous central Florida lakes near International DriveRight Side

🛬 Landing at Orlando (MCO)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 17L means you're flying south, so the right side faces west. That gives you views of downtown Orlando's skyline off in the distance early on, and depending on haze and approach path, glimpses toward the Walt Disney World area and Orlando's countless lakes dotting the landscape.
Look forDowntown Orlando skyline, Central Florida lakes, Walt Disney World area in the distance, Orlando suburban sprawl
Left window seat view during landing at Orlando (MCO) — Downtown Orlando skyline, Central Florida lakes, Walt Disney World area in the distance, Orlando suburban sprawlLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Orlando (MCO) — Downtown Orlando skyline, Central Florida lakes, Walt Disney World area in the distance, Orlando suburban sprawlRight Side
OrlandoPhoto: Connor Scott McManus

MCO is one of the busiest airports in the United States, with a large layout featuring four parallel north-south runways and multiple terminals (A, B, and the newer C) connected by an automated people mover system. It handles a mix of major domestic carriers, low-cost airlines, and significant international traffic.

⛰️ Elevation98 ft
🛫 Runways4 (18L/36R, 18R/36L, 17R/35L, 17L/35R)
✈️ HubSouthwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines
📍 NearbySFB 24 miMLB 47 miLAL 53 miDAB 54 miVRB 76 mi

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Orlando International (MCO)?

At Orlando International in Orlando: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World area lakes, Lake Buena Vista, numerous central Florida lakes near International Drive.

What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?

When taking off from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing south on runway 18R, the right side faces west toward downtown Orlando's skyline and the sprawling lake-dotted terrain toward Walt Disney World and Lake Buena Vista. The left side mostly shows flat, undeveloped land east of the airport with fewer distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Downtown Orlando skyline, Walt Disney World area lakes, Lake Buena Vista, numerous central Florida lakes near International Drive.

What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?

When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 17L means you're flying south, so the right side faces west. That gives you views of downtown Orlando's skyline off in the distance early on, and depending on haze and approach path, glimpses toward the Walt Disney World area and Orlando's countless lakes dotting the landscape. Notable sights include: Downtown Orlando skyline, Central Florida lakes, Walt Disney World area in the distance, Orlando suburban sprawl.

What factors affect the best window seat at Orlando International?

The best window seat at Orlando International (MCO) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Orlando (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.