While takeoff offers Atlantic views from the right, the landing approach into San Diego from the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the entire San Diego Bay system, Coronado Peninsula, and downtown skyline are far more visually distinctive than Florida's flat coastal terrain.
Flown MCO to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to San Diego is 2,145 miles (3,452 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico, then transitions over southern New Mexico and Arizona. Notable features include the Mississippi River delta (visible during westbound climb), the Yucatan Peninsula far to the south, the Rio Grande valley in southern New Mexico, and the Colorado River system in Arizona. The Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in Mexico are visible to the south during the western portion of the flight. Most of the cruise altitude flight occurs over relatively featureless terrain or open water.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MCO
RIGHTMCO typically departs eastbound (Runways 17L/R or 18L/R). Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coast and the barrier islands along Florida's east coast as you climb out over the Atlantic before turning westbound toward San Diego.
Landing at SAN
LEFTSAN typically lands westbound on Runways 27L/R. Left-side seats provide excellent views of San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego's skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula as you descend over the Pacific and approach the airport from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando International (MCO) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to San Diego. While takeoff offers Atlantic views from the right, the landing approach into San Diego from the left provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the entire San Diego Bay system, Coronado Peninsula, and downtown skyline are far more visually distinctive than Florida's flat coastal 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. MCO typically departs eastbound (Runways 17L/R or 18L/R). Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coast and the barrier islands along Florida's east coast as you climb out over the Atlantic before turning westbound toward San Diego. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean, Brevard County barrier islands, Indian River Lagoon system, Cape Canaveral area.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. SAN typically lands westbound on Runways 27L/R. Left-side seats provide excellent views of San Diego Bay, downtown San Diego's skyline, and the Coronado Peninsula as you descend over the Pacific and approach the airport from the west. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Peninsula, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma.
How long is the flight from Orlando to San Diego?
The flight from Orlando International (MCO) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,145 miles (3,452 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to San Diego flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico, then transitions over southern New Mexico and Arizona. Notable features include the Mississippi River delta (visible during westbound climb), the Yucatan Peninsula far to the south, the Rio Grande valley in southern New Mexico, and the Colorado River system in Arizona. The Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in Mexico are visible to the south during the western portion of the flight. Most of the cruise altitude flight occurs over relatively featureless terrain or open water.