Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Florida's lake country and wetlands is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing offers good Connecticut River views on the left, the departure from MCO provides more varied and recognizable geography.
Flown MCO to BDL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Windsor Locks is 1,051 miles (1,692 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills and ridges of the Carolinas and Tennessee (visible around 1.5 hours into flight), the Great Smoky Mountains region to the west, and transitions into the Atlantic coastal plain before climbing into New England. The Hudson River valley and Long Island Sound become visible during the final descent phase into Connecticut.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Atlantic coastal plain and inland lakes during northbound climb. MCO typically departs north or northeast, and right windows frame the progression from Orlando's urban sprawl toward the lakes and wetlands that dominate central Florida's landscape.
Landing at BDL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer superior views during descent into BDL. The approach typically comes from the south or southwest, and left windows frame the Connecticut River valley, Hartford's urban core, and the distinctive landscape transition from Massachusetts into Connecticut.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Bradley International (BDL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Windsor Locks. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of Florida's lake country and wetlands is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing offers good Connecticut River views on the left, the departure from MCO provides more varied and recognizable geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Atlantic coastal plain and inland lakes during northbound climb. MCO typically departs north or northeast, and right windows frame the progression from Orlando's urban sprawl toward the lakes and wetlands that dominate central Florida's landscape. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (large shallow lake west of Orlando), Wekiwa Springs State Park area, Florida's Turnpike corridor, Chain of Lakes region.
What can I see when landing at Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
When landing at Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer superior views during descent into BDL. The approach typically comes from the south or southwest, and left windows frame the Connecticut River valley, Hartford's urban core, and the distinctive landscape transition from Massachusetts into Connecticut. Notable sights include: Connecticut River (major north-south waterway), Hartford skyline and downtown district, Farmington River confluence, Bradley Airport's surrounding wetlands and industrial areas.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Windsor Locks?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Bradley International (BDL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,051 miles (1,692 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Windsor Locks flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills and ridges of the Carolinas and Tennessee (visible around 1.5 hours into flight), the Great Smoky Mountains region to the west, and transitions into the Atlantic coastal plain before climbing into New England. The Hudson River valley and Long Island Sound become visible during the final descent phase into Connecticut.