About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Amsterdam. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Caribbean and Atlantic the views are largely open ocean regardless of side, but the left seat delivers the Canal and Panama City on departure and Amsterdam's canal ring on arrival — the two most visually rewarding moments of the trip.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tocumen typically departs on runway 03R/21L or 10L/28R. On a northbound departure climbing out over the isthmus, the left side gives you Panama City's skyline along the Pacific coast and the Canal's Pacific entrance at Miraflores. The right side faces inland jungle with less to see. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline (Casco Viejo and the modern financial district), Miraflores Locks and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, the Bridge of the Americas spanning the Canal, Panama Bay.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol typically lands on runways from the southwest or west, meaning the approach track comes in over the Dutch coast from the North Sea. The left side on final approach gives you the best view of Amsterdam's canal ring and the city center as you descend over the polders. The right side faces south toward the flat agricultural Randstad. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and historic city center, IJmeer and IJsselmeer to the northeast, the North Sea coastline and Dutch barrier dunes, the flat green polder landscape of Noord-Holland.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Amsterdam?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Schiphol (AMS) takes Approximately 11 to 12 hours.
What does the Panama City to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
After departing Panama the route tracks north over the Caribbean Sea, crossing Cuba and the Bahamas. It then crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland and Iceland depending on the jet stream routing. Over Europe the flight crosses the Iberian Peninsula or Bay of Biscay, then France and Belgium before descending into the Netherlands. The mid-Atlantic portion is open ocean with occasional cloud formations and, at high latitudes, possible sea ice or icebergs visible far below.