The right side offers the only genuinely scenic moments of the flight: a glimpse of Florida's Atlantic coast near Cape Canaveral on departure and a clear view of the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh's skyline on arrival. The left side sees flat Florida terrain and inland Scottish hills, both far less distinctive.
Flight Path
The route crosses the open North Atlantic, passing well south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores, with no land visible for several hours until the Scottish coast comes into view near the end of the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTDeparting MCO in north flow, the aircraft climbs north then typically curves east toward the Atlantic corridor, putting Florida's central lake district and, briefly, the Atlantic coastline near Cape Canaveral on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat interior Florida scrubland with little variation.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTArriving from the northeast for a runway 24 landing, the descent path crosses the North Sea and the Firth of Forth, putting Edinburgh's coastline, the firth's water, and the city skyline on the right side of the aircraft as it turns onto final approach. The left side faces inland toward the Pentland Hills, which are less visually striking from this angle.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Edinburgh. The right side offers the only genuinely scenic moments of the flight: a glimpse of Florida's Atlantic coast near Cape Canaveral on departure and a clear view of the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh's skyline on arrival. The left side sees flat Florida terrain and inland Scottish hills, both far less distinctive.
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. Departing MCO in north flow, the aircraft climbs north then typically curves east toward the Atlantic corridor, putting Florida's central lake district and, briefly, the Atlantic coastline near Cape Canaveral on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat interior Florida scrubland with little variation. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka area, Orlando's eastern suburbs, Atlantic coastline near Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center facilities.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the northeast for a runway 24 landing, the descent path crosses the North Sea and the Firth of Forth, putting Edinburgh's coastline, the firth's water, and the city skyline on the right side of the aircraft as it turns onto final approach. The left side faces inland toward the Pentland Hills, which are less visually striking from this angle. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Edinburgh city skyline and Arthur's Seat, Forth bridges, North Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Edinburgh?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes 8h 10m.
What does the Orlando to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
The route crosses the open North Atlantic, passing well south of Newfoundland and north of the Azores, with no land visible for several hours until the Scottish coast comes into view near the end of the flight.