The right side scores higher due to the dramatic Franklin Mountains visible during the El Paso landing approach, which provides significant terrain drama and visual variety. While the left side offers Orlando's urban scenery during takeoff, the westbound cruise segment over central and western Texas is predominantly flat plains with minimal landmarks. The landing approach on the right side delivers the flight's most visually distinctive moment, elevating the overall experience.
Flown MCO to ELP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to El Paso is 1,513 miles (2,435 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Central Florida lakes and wetlands (first 30 minutes), transition to flat central Florida and southern Georgia terrain, Alabama-Georgia border region with gentle rolling hills, Mississippi-Louisiana flat plains, Texas panhandle and west Texas high plains, Davis Mountains visible approximately 100 miles east of El Paso, approach to Franklin Mountains and Rio Grande valley
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTOrlando's departure to the west offers views of the city's urban sprawl and lakes immediately after liftoff. The right side faces open terrain with minimal early visual interest.
Landing at ELP
RIGHTEl Paso's approach from the east reveals the dramatic Franklin Mountains rising abruptly from the desert floor and the Rio Grande valley. The left side during descent shows only flat, featureless desert terrain with minimal visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to El Paso International (ELP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to El Paso. The right side scores higher due to the dramatic Franklin Mountains visible during the El Paso landing approach, which provides significant terrain drama and visual variety. While the left side offers Orlando's urban scenery during takeoff, the westbound cruise segment over central and western Texas is predominantly flat plains with minimal landmarks. The landing approach on the right side delivers the flight's most visually distinctive moment, elevating the overall experience.
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. Orlando's departure to the west offers views of the city's urban sprawl and lakes immediately after liftoff. The right side faces open terrain with minimal early visual interest. Notable sights include: Orlando downtown skyline, Lake Eustis, Chain of Lakes region, suburban development patterns.
What can I see when landing at El Paso International in El Paso?
When landing at El Paso International (ELP), sit on the Right side for the best views. El Paso's approach from the east reveals the dramatic Franklin Mountains rising abruptly from the desert floor and the Rio Grande valley. The left side during descent shows only flat, featureless desert terrain with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Franklin Mountains, Rio Grande valley, El Paso urban area, desert basin topography.
How long is the flight from Orlando to El Paso?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to El Paso International (ELP) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,513 miles (2,435 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to El Paso flight path pass over?
Central Florida lakes and wetlands (first 30 minutes), transition to flat central Florida and southern Georgia terrain, Alabama-Georgia border region with gentle rolling hills, Mississippi-Louisiana flat plains, Texas panhandle and west Texas high plains, Davis Mountains visible approximately 100 miles east of El Paso, approach to Franklin Mountains and Rio Grande valley