Both sides score equally low due to the short 45-minute flight over flat terrain with minimal dramatic geography. However, the right side edges ahead because it captures Orlando's urban skyline during takeoff and the coastal/port scenery during landing at Fort Lauderdale, providing more recognizable landmarks than the left side's inland swamps and featureless terrain.
Flown MCO to FLL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Fort Lauderdale is 178 miles (286 km), a flight of about 45 minutes.
Lake Okeechobee (visible from altitude as a large shallow water body), Everglades wetlands, scattered lakes and retention ponds throughout central and southern Florida, flat coastal plain with no elevation changes
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTRight side captures the Orlando urban area and Lake Apopka during initial climb. Left side faces inland swamps and flat terrain with minimal landmarks.
Landing at FLL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Fort Lauderdale coastal area, Port Everglades, and the Atlantic Ocean during approach. Left side remains over inland Everglades wetlands 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 Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Both sides score equally low due to the short 45-minute flight over flat terrain with minimal dramatic geography. However, the right side edges ahead because it captures Orlando's urban skyline during takeoff and the coastal/port scenery during landing at Fort Lauderdale, providing more recognizable landmarks than the left side's inland swamps and featureless terrain.
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 captures the Orlando urban area and Lake Apopka during initial climb. Left side faces inland swamps and flat terrain with minimal landmarks. Notable sights include: Orlando downtown skyline, Lake Apopka, Shingle Creek, flat central Florida pine forest.
What can I see when landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International in Fort Lauderdale?
When landing at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Fort Lauderdale coastal area, Port Everglades, and the Atlantic Ocean during approach. Left side remains over inland Everglades wetlands with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Port Everglades shipping terminals, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International (FLL) takes about 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 178 miles (286 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Fort Lauderdale flight path pass over?
Lake Okeechobee (visible from altitude as a large shallow water body), Everglades wetlands, scattered lakes and retention ponds throughout central and southern Florida, flat coastal plain with no elevation changes