While left offers good views during departure, right provides superior scenery for most of the flight, particularly the dramatic Sierra Nevada approaches over California's interior and the stunning coastal mountains during descent into Monterey.
Flown MCO to MRY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Monterey is 2,410 miles (3,878 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Florida's lakes and swamps, then transitions over the Gulf of Mexico's eastern edge, continues across Texas and New Mexico with views of the Rio Grande valley, passes over Arizona's high desert and the Colorado Plateau, then enters California crossing the Sierra Nevada range before descending toward the Pacific coast. Notable features include Lake Okeechobee (Florida), the Pecos River valley (Texas-New Mexico border), the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim (Arizona), and the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
LEFTLeft side captures the Atlantic coastal approach and the immediate Orlando urban sprawl including downtown and Lake Eustis to the northwest. Right side faces inland toward central Florida's flat terrain with minimal visual interest.
Landing at MRY
RIGHTRight side provides the best views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the dramatic Monterey Peninsula coastline during approach. The rugged terrain and Pacific shoreline are far more visually striking than the inland agricultural valleys visible from the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Monterey. While left offers good views during departure, right provides superior scenery for most of the flight, particularly the dramatic Sierra Nevada approaches over California's interior and the stunning coastal mountains during descent into Monterey.
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. Left side captures the Atlantic coastal approach and the immediate Orlando urban sprawl including downtown and Lake Eustis to the northwest. Right side faces inland toward central Florida's flat terrain with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean (eastern horizon), Lake Eustis, Orlando downtown skyline, Florida's coastal plain.
What can I see when landing at Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey?
When landing at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best views of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the dramatic Monterey Peninsula coastline during approach. The rugged terrain and Pacific shoreline are far more visually striking than the inland agricultural valleys visible from the left. Notable sights include: Santa Lucia Mountains, Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Ocean, Monterey Bay.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Monterey?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,410 miles (3,878 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Monterey flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Florida's lakes and swamps, then transitions over the Gulf of Mexico's eastern edge, continues across Texas and New Mexico with views of the Rio Grande valley, passes over Arizona's high desert and the Colorado Plateau, then enters California crossing the Sierra Nevada range before descending toward the Pacific coast. Notable features include Lake Okeechobee (Florida), the Pecos River valley (Texas-New Mexico border), the White Mountains and Mogollon Rim (Arizona), and the Sierra Nevada's eastern escarpment.