The right side wins both the departure and arrival phases — Mt. Fuji and the Japanese coastline on takeoff, and the dramatic Popocatépetl/Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes on landing — while the long oceanic cruise over the North Pacific offers little differentiation between sides.
Flown NRT to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Tokyo to Mexico City is 6,993 miles (11,253 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
North Pacific open ocean, Aleutian Islands region, Gulf of Alaska, Pacific coast of North America near Baja California before descent into the Mexican highlands
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NRT
RIGHTDeparting Narita on the southbound runway before turning out over the Pacific, the right side gives a good look back at the Boso Peninsula coastline and, on clear days, the unmistakable cone of Mt. Fuji rising in the distance to the southwest. The left side mostly shows flat Chiba farmland and haze.
Landing at MEX
RIGHTArrivals into Mexico City typically swing around to final approach heading northeast, which puts the volcanic peaks southeast of the city — Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl — directly off the right side of the aircraft during the descent. The left side mostly faces the flatter northwestern edge of the valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Tokyo to Mexico City. The right side wins both the departure and arrival phases — Mt. Fuji and the Japanese coastline on takeoff, and the dramatic Popocatépetl/Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes on landing — while the long oceanic cruise over the North Pacific offers little differentiation between sides.
What can I see during takeoff from New Tokyo International in Tokyo?
During takeoff from New Tokyo International (NRT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Narita on the southbound runway before turning out over the Pacific, the right side gives a good look back at the Boso Peninsula coastline and, on clear days, the unmistakable cone of Mt. Fuji rising in the distance to the southwest. The left side mostly shows flat Chiba farmland and haze. Notable sights include: Boso Peninsula coastline, Tokyo Bay, Mt. Fuji (distant), Pacific shoreline of Chiba.
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. Arrivals into Mexico City typically swing around to final approach heading northeast, which puts the volcanic peaks southeast of the city — Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl — directly off the right side of the aircraft during the descent. The left side mostly faces the flatter northwestern edge of the valley. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City sprawl.
How long is the flight from Tokyo to Mexico City?
The flight from New Tokyo International (NRT) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,993 miles (11,253 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Tokyo to Mexico City flight path pass over?
North Pacific open ocean, Aleutian Islands region, Gulf of Alaska, Pacific coast of North America near Baja California before descent into the Mexican highlands