While right seats win on takeoff, left seats dominate the landing approach and offer better views of the Río de la Plata estuary—the most visually distinctive feature of the entire route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown PTY to EZE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Buenos Aires is 3,325 miles (5,351 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Caribbean, then the northern coast of South America (Venezuela/Colombia border region), descends over the Andes' eastern foothills in southern Bolivia/northern Argentina, and follows the Paraná River valley before reaching the Pampas. At cruise altitude, the Andes' eastern escarpment is visible as a distant ridge on the left (south) side roughly 2.5 hours into flight. The Paraná River and its tributaries become visible as silvery threads in the landscape approximately 1 hour before descent into Buenos Aires.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
RIGHTTocumen typically departs eastbound (Runway 03R/03L). Right-side seats offer views of the Panama Canal's Atlantic entrance and Gatun Lake as you climb. The left side faces inland toward Darién jungle with minimal distinguishing features.
Landing at EZE
LEFTEzeiza typically lands westbound (Runway 09). Left-side seats provide views of the Río de la Plata's western shore, Buenos Aires' southern suburbs, and the approach over the flat Pampas. Right side faces over open water with less geographic interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Buenos Aires. While right seats win on takeoff, left seats dominate the landing approach and offer better views of the Río de la Plata estuary—the most visually distinctive feature of the entire route. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Tocumen typically departs eastbound (Runway 03R/03L). Right-side seats offer views of the Panama Canal's Atlantic entrance and Gatun Lake as you climb. The left side faces inland toward Darién jungle with minimal distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Panama Canal Atlantic locks and approach channels, Gatun Lake (large freshwater reservoir), Colón city and port facilities to the northeast, Caribbean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini in Buenos Aires?
When landing at Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ezeiza typically lands westbound (Runway 09). Left-side seats provide views of the Río de la Plata's western shore, Buenos Aires' southern suburbs, and the approach over the flat Pampas. Right side faces over open water with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (wide muddy river), Buenos Aires southern suburbs and industrial zones, flat Pampas grassland extending inland, Ezeiza airport's runway complex.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Buenos Aires?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini (EZE) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,325 miles (5,351 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Buenos Aires flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Caribbean, then the northern coast of South America (Venezuela/Colombia border region), descends over the Andes' eastern foothills in southern Bolivia/northern Argentina, and follows the Paraná River valley before reaching the Pampas. At cruise altitude, the Andes' eastern escarpment is visible as a distant ridge on the left (south) side roughly 2.5 hours into flight. The Paraná River and its tributaries become visible as silvery threads in the landscape approximately 1 hour before descent into Buenos Aires.