The right side delivers the flight's two most visually distinctive moments — New Orleans' French Quarter and river bends on departure, and Walt Disney World's recognizable lakes on arrival — while the left side's Gulf coastline during cruise is often too distant to be a strong feature.
Flown MSY to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New Orleans to Orlando is 551 miles (886 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The route crosses the Gulf coastline well offshore near Mobile Bay and Pensacola, then continues over the Florida Panhandle and the Ocala National Forest before descending into central Florida's lake-studded terrain near Orlando.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSY
RIGHTDeparting MSY on runway 11, the aircraft climbs out just south of the flight path, putting downtown New Orleans, the French Quarter, and the tight bends of the Mississippi River on the right side. The left side mainly shows the flatter, less distinctive expanse of Lake Pontchartrain.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTOn a typical south-flow approach into MCO, the aircraft descends southbound, putting Walt Disney World's lakes and the theme park district on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly faces flat farmland and distant, hard-to-distinguish coastline toward the Atlantic.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Orlando. The right side delivers the flight's two most visually distinctive moments — New Orleans' French Quarter and river bends on departure, and Walt Disney World's recognizable lakes on arrival — while the left side's Gulf coastline during cruise is often too distant to be a strong feature.
What can I see during takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International in New Orleans?
During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MSY on runway 11, the aircraft climbs out just south of the flight path, putting downtown New Orleans, the French Quarter, and the tight bends of the Mississippi River on the right side. The left side mainly shows the flatter, less distinctive expanse of Lake Pontchartrain. Notable sights include: French Quarter, Mississippi River bends, Superdome, Mississippi River Delta marshlands.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On a typical south-flow approach into MCO, the aircraft descends southbound, putting Walt Disney World's lakes and the theme park district on the right side of the cabin. The left side mostly faces flat farmland and distant, hard-to-distinguish coastline toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon (Walt Disney World), central Florida lake district, Orlando's outer suburbs.
How long is the flight from New Orleans to Orlando?
The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 551 miles (886 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New Orleans to Orlando flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Gulf coastline well offshore near Mobile Bay and Pensacola, then continues over the Florida Panhandle and the Ocala National Forest before descending into central Florida's lake-studded terrain near Orlando.