The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Orlando's skyline and resort area at departure, and Lake Erie with the Buffalo skyline at arrival, giving it more visual variety than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.
Flown MCO to BUF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Buffalo is 1,013 miles (1,630 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
The route crosses the Piedmont of Georgia and the Carolinas before threading through the ridge-and-valley Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia, then over the forested Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania before descending toward the Lake Erie shoreline.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTDeparting MCO to the north puts Orlando's downtown skyline and the Walt Disney World/Universal resort area off the left wing as the plane climbs, while the right side shows mostly flat rural Florida scrubland and citrus groves.
Landing at BUF
LEFTOn approach to BUF's Runway 05 from the southwest, the aircraft turns onto a northeast final, putting Lake Erie's shoreline and the Buffalo downtown skyline on the left side, while the right side faces inland suburbs with little to distinguish.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Buffalo. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Orlando's skyline and resort area at departure, and Lake Erie with the Buffalo skyline at arrival, giving it more visual variety than the right side's flatter, less distinctive views.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando International in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MCO to the north puts Orlando's downtown skyline and the Walt Disney World/Universal resort area off the left wing as the plane climbs, while the right side shows mostly flat rural Florida scrubland and citrus groves. Notable sights include: Orlando downtown skyline, Walt Disney World Resort (distant), Lake Nona, Orlando's northern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
When landing at Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to BUF's Runway 05 from the southwest, the aircraft turns onto a northeast final, putting Lake Erie's shoreline and the Buffalo downtown skyline on the left side, while the right side faces inland suburbs with little to distinguish. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo downtown skyline, Niagara River outlet, Peace Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Buffalo?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,013 miles (1,630 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Buffalo flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Piedmont of Georgia and the Carolinas before threading through the ridge-and-valley Appalachians of Virginia and West Virginia, then over the forested Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania before descending toward the Lake Erie shoreline.