While takeoff offers decent views of Florida's lakes, the landing approach into BUR provides superior scenery with the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains and the visual contrast between desert/mountain terrain and the sprawling Los Angeles basin. The westbound flight path means left-side seats capture the most compelling geography during descent.
Flown MCO to BUR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Burbank is 2,211 miles (3,558 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
During cruise over the southern United States, you'll cross the Gulf Coast (visible from altitude as a coastline with barrier islands and shallow water), then traverse the flat terrain of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Colorado River and its canyon systems may be visible in Arizona/California border region depending on exact flight path. The Mojave Desert appears as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain in southern California. No major mountain ranges dominate the mid-flight path, but the terrain gradually transitions from flat coastal plains to higher desert elevation as you approach California.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastal region and inland lakes during the initial climb-out from MCO. You'll see the sprawl of greater Orlando and the chain of lakes that dot central Florida's landscape as the aircraft banks westward.
Landing at BUR
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into BUR, particularly of the San Gabriel Mountains to the northeast and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. As you approach from the east, the mountain range and the transition from desert to urban landscape are striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Burbank. While takeoff offers decent views of Florida's lakes, the landing approach into BUR provides superior scenery with the dramatic San Gabriel Mountains and the visual contrast between desert/mountain terrain and the sprawling Los Angeles basin. The westbound flight path means left-side seats capture the most compelling geography during descent.
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 offer views of the Atlantic coastal region and inland lakes during the initial climb-out from MCO. You'll see the sprawl of greater Orlando and the chain of lakes that dot central Florida's landscape as the aircraft banks westward. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (large freshwater lake northwest of MCO), downtown Orlando skyline, chain of smaller lakes dotting the terrain, Atlantic coastal plains extending eastward.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into BUR, particularly of the San Gabriel Mountains to the northeast and the Los Angeles basin sprawl. As you approach from the east, the mountain range and the transition from desert to urban landscape are striking. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (prominent ridge to the northeast), Los Angeles basin urban sprawl, San Fernando Valley (flat developed area), Burbank and Glendale local terrain.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Burbank?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,211 miles (3,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Burbank flight path pass over?
During cruise over the southern United States, you'll cross the Gulf Coast (visible from altitude as a coastline with barrier islands and shallow water), then traverse the flat terrain of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Colorado River and its canyon systems may be visible in Arizona/California border region depending on exact flight path. The Mojave Desert appears as tan, sparsely vegetated terrain in southern California. No major mountain ranges dominate the mid-flight path, but the terrain gradually transitions from flat coastal plains to higher desert elevation as you approach California.