While the Panama Canal glimpse at takeoff is memorable, the right side benefits from Florida's lake-dotted terrain and the Orlando skyline during arrival, plus a slightly longer view of the Florida Straits and outlying Cuban coastline during cruise, giving it more sustained visual interest across the flight.
Flown PTY to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Orlando is 1,343 miles (2,162 km), a flight of about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Open Caribbean Sea, western tip of Cuba near the Yucatan Channel, and the Florida Straits before crossing into the Florida peninsula
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
LEFTDeparting PTY on runway 03 to the northeast, the initial climb and left turn toward Florida put the Panama Canal's Atlantic (Colon) entrance and the mangrove-lined Caribbean coast on the left side. Passengers get a brief but distinctive look at the canal's shipping channel and locks area before the aircraft settles onto its northbound track.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTOn a typical north-flow arrival into MCO, the aircraft descends from the south over central Florida's lake country before lining up on the northbound runways. The right side offers views of Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee lake chain, with Orlando's downtown skyline and the theme park area visible in the distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Orlando. While the Panama Canal glimpse at takeoff is memorable, the right side benefits from Florida's lake-dotted terrain and the Orlando skyline during arrival, plus a slightly longer view of the Florida Straits and outlying Cuban coastline during cruise, giving it more sustained visual interest across the flight.
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. Departing PTY on runway 03 to the northeast, the initial climb and left turn toward Florida put the Panama Canal's Atlantic (Colon) entrance and the mangrove-lined Caribbean coast on the left side. Passengers get a brief but distinctive look at the canal's shipping channel and locks area before the aircraft settles onto its northbound track. Notable sights include: Panama Canal Atlantic entrance, Colon harbor, San Blas coastline, Caribbean shoreline of Panama.
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 north-flow arrival into MCO, the aircraft descends from the south over central Florida's lake country before lining up on the northbound runways. The right side offers views of Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee lake chain, with Orlando's downtown skyline and the theme park area visible in the distance. Notable sights include: Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee lake chain, Orlando downtown skyline, Lake Apopka.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Orlando?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 3 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,343 miles (2,162 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Orlando flight path pass over?
Open Caribbean Sea, western tip of Cuba near the Yucatan Channel, and the Florida Straits before crossing into the Florida peninsula