The right side wins because it captures the only genuinely dramatic terrain on this route — the folded Appalachian ridges near Pittsburgh during climb-out — plus a more scenic lake-and-grove approach into Orlando, while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless plains for the bulk of the flight.
Flown PIT to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Orlando is 836 miles (1,345 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Ridge-and-valley Appalachians of West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, transitioning to the rolling Piedmont of the Carolinas and Georgia, then flat pine flatwoods and lake country of Central Florida near the descent into Orlando
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTDeparting PIT to the south, the right side offers views of the Allegheny Plateau and ridge-and-valley Appalachians of West Virginia rolling away toward the horizon as the aircraft climbs. The left side mostly shows the flatter Pittsburgh suburbs and Monongahela River valley receding quickly.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTOn approach into MCO, the right side typically catches Central Florida's lake-studded terrain and citrus groves west of Orlando, including glimpses of Lake Apopka, before the turn onto final. The left side mostly shows flat pine flatwoods with less visual variety.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Orlando. The right side wins because it captures the only genuinely dramatic terrain on this route — the folded Appalachian ridges near Pittsburgh during climb-out — plus a more scenic lake-and-grove approach into Orlando, while the left side offers mostly flat, featureless plains for the bulk of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing PIT to the south, the right side offers views of the Allegheny Plateau and ridge-and-valley Appalachians of West Virginia rolling away toward the horizon as the aircraft climbs. The left side mostly shows the flatter Pittsburgh suburbs and Monongahela River valley receding quickly. Notable sights include: Allegheny Plateau ridgelines, Monongahela River valley, Laurel Highlands, wooded West Virginia hills.
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 approach into MCO, the right side typically catches Central Florida's lake-studded terrain and citrus groves west of Orlando, including glimpses of Lake Apopka, before the turn onto final. The left side mostly shows flat pine flatwoods with less visual variety. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka, Central Florida lake chains, Orlando's western suburbs, citrus grove patchwork.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Orlando?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 836 miles (1,345 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Orlando flight path pass over?
Ridge-and-valley Appalachians of West Virginia and southwestern Virginia, transitioning to the rolling Piedmont of the Carolinas and Georgia, then flat pine flatwoods and lake country of Central Florida near the descent into Orlando