Both sides score equally at 2.0 due to the flat terrain dominating this 2-hour flight across the southeastern United States. However, the right side edges ahead for the landing approach: the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and Memphis's bluff-top geography provide more visual interest than Orlando's sprawling flatness. The river's distinctive oxbow pattern is genuinely striking from altitude and makes the right side the better choice overall.
Flown MCO to MEM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Memphis is 684 miles (1,100 km), a flight of about 2 hours 5 minutes.
Georgia-Florida border region with scattered lakes and pine forest; northern Georgia foothills (modest elevation, not dramatic); Alabama-Georgia border with rolling terrain; Tennessee River valley near the Alabama-Tennessee border; flat Mississippi River valley approaching Memphis
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTOrlando's urban sprawl and theme park infrastructure are visible on the left (west) side during departure. The city grid and developed areas provide more visual interest than the flat, undifferentiated terrain to the right.
Landing at MEM
RIGHTThe right (east) side during approach to Memphis offers views of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and the river bluffs that define the city's geography. This provides more visual drama than the left side's flat terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Memphis International (MEM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Memphis. Both sides score equally at 2.0 due to the flat terrain dominating this 2-hour flight across the southeastern United States. However, the right side edges ahead for the landing approach: the Mississippi River's dramatic meanders and Memphis's bluff-top geography provide more visual interest than Orlando's sprawling flatness. The river's distinctive oxbow pattern is genuinely striking from altitude and makes the right side the better choice overall.
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 urban sprawl and theme park infrastructure are visible on the left (west) side during departure. The city grid and developed areas provide more visual interest than the flat, undifferentiated terrain to the right. Notable sights include: Orlando downtown skyline, Lake Eustis to the northwest, theme park complexes (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT area), Interstate 4 corridor.
What can I see when landing at Memphis International in Memphis?
When landing at Memphis International (MEM), sit on the Right side for the best views. The right (east) side during approach to Memphis offers views of the Mississippi River's distinctive meanders and the river bluffs that define the city's geography. This provides more visual drama than the left side's flat terrain. Notable sights include: Mississippi River with characteristic oxbow bends, Memphis downtown skyline on the bluffs, Wolf River confluence, Shelby Farms area.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Memphis?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Memphis International (MEM) takes about 2 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 684 miles (1,100 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Memphis flight path pass over?
Georgia-Florida border region with scattered lakes and pine forest; northern Georgia foothills (modest elevation, not dramatic); Alabama-Georgia border with rolling terrain; Tennessee River valley near the Alabama-Tennessee border; flat Mississippi River valley approaching Memphis