MEX

Best window seat at Licenciado Benito Juarez International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offRIGHT

Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, eastern Mexico City sprawl

LandingRIGHT

Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, southern Mexico City urban sprawl

🛫 Taking Off from Mexico City (MEX)

Best sideRight
WhyDeparting runway 05L on a heading of about 059°, the right side of the aircraft faces south/southeast, where the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl dominate the horizon on clear days. The left side mostly shows the flatter northern sprawl of the city and the dry Texcoco lakebed, which is less visually striking.
Look forPopocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, eastern Mexico City sprawl, Texcoco ecological park lakebed
Left window seat view during takeoff from Mexico City (MEX) — Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, eastern Mexico City sprawl, Texcoco ecological park lakebedLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Mexico City (MEX) — Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, eastern Mexico City sprawl, Texcoco ecological park lakebedRight Side

🛬 Landing at Mexico City (MEX)

Best sideRight
WhyLanding on runway 05R means the aircraft approaches heading northeast, having flown in from the south or southwest over the Valley of Mexico. Sitting on the right side puts you facing southeast, giving you a solid view of the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl rising above the basin, along with the dense southern sprawl of Mexico City below.
Look forPopocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, southern Mexico City urban sprawl, surrounding valley mountain rim
Left window seat view during landing at Mexico City (MEX) — Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, southern Mexico City urban sprawl, surrounding valley mountain rimLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Mexico City (MEX) — Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, southern Mexico City urban sprawl, surrounding valley mountain rimRight Side
Mexico CityPhoto: Erhart Fabian Castillo Castellanos

MEX is Mexico's busiest airport, with two terminals (T1 and T2) connected by an inter-terminal train, and sits at over 7,300 feet elevation, which affects aircraft performance and runway operations. Its two parallel runways are used in segregated mode (one for arrivals, one for departures) due to the airport's high altitude and limited capacity.

⛰️ Elevation7,317 ft
🛫 Runways2 (05L/23R, 05R/23L)
✈️ HubAeromexico, Volaris, Delta Air Lines
📍 NearbyNLU 22 miTLC 33 miPBC 50 mi

Connecting at MEX?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Licenciado Benito Juarez International.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?

At Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City: for takeoff, sit on the Right side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, eastern Mexico City sprawl, Texcoco ecological park lakebed.

What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?

When taking off from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing runway 05L on a heading of about 059°, the right side of the aircraft faces south/southeast, where the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl dominate the horizon on clear days. The left side mostly shows the flatter northern sprawl of the city and the dry Texcoco lakebed, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, eastern Mexico City sprawl, Texcoco ecological park lakebed.

What can I see when landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?

When landing at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing on runway 05R means the aircraft approaches heading northeast, having flown in from the south or southwest over the Valley of Mexico. Sitting on the right side puts you facing southeast, giving you a solid view of the snow-capped volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl rising above the basin, along with the dense southern sprawl of Mexico City below. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, southern Mexico City urban sprawl, surrounding valley mountain rim.

What factors affect the best window seat at Licenciado Benito Juarez International?

The best window seat at Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Mexico City (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.