While the right side offers good takeoff scenery, the left side delivers superior views during the longer descent phase into Mexico City, including the volcanoes and the dramatic basin geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flown REX to MEX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reynosa to Mexico City is 457 miles (736 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the high plateau of central Mexico. Notable features include the Sierra Madre Oriental range (visible on the right/east side during the flight), the transition from northern scrubland to the more developed central Mexican plateau, and scattered smaller mountain ranges and valleys. The terrain gradually rises as the aircraft moves southwestward toward the Valley of Mexico's 7,400-foot elevation.
Great circle distance and headings ›_(cropped).jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from REX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Rio Grande valley and the Sierra Madre Oriental foothills as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Reynosa. The river and its agricultural floodplain are distinctive from altitude, and the mountain range provides visual relief against the flat northern Mexican terrain.
Landing at MEX
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Mexico City. Passengers see the Valley of Mexico's urban sprawl, the distinctive high-altitude basin geography, and on clear days, the snow-capped volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) rising to the southeast of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Lucio Blanco International (REX) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reynosa to Mexico City. While the right side offers good takeoff scenery, the left side delivers superior views during the longer descent phase into Mexico City, including the volcanoes and the dramatic basin geography. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from General Lucio Blanco International in Reynosa?
During takeoff from General Lucio Blanco International (REX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Rio Grande valley and the Sierra Madre Oriental foothills as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Reynosa. The river and its agricultural floodplain are distinctive from altitude, and the mountain range provides visual relief against the flat northern Mexican terrain. Notable sights include: Rio Grande (immediate foreground), Sierra Madre Oriental (distant southwest), Reynosa city grid (beneath/behind during climb), agricultural fields of the Rio Grande Valley (mid-ground).
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Mexico City. Passengers see the Valley of Mexico's urban sprawl, the distinctive high-altitude basin geography, and on clear days, the snow-capped volcanic peaks (Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl) rising to the southeast of the city. Notable sights include: Mexico City metropolitan area (sprawling urban grid), Valley of Mexico basin (surrounding terrain), Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes (distant southeast peaks), Lake Texcoco remnants and wetlands (visible as darker patches within the city).
How long is the flight from Reynosa to Mexico City?
The flight from General Lucio Blanco International (REX) to Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 457 miles (736 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reynosa to Mexico City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the high plateau of central Mexico. Notable features include the Sierra Madre Oriental range (visible on the right/east side during the flight), the transition from northern scrubland to the more developed central Mexican plateau, and scattered smaller mountain ranges and valleys. The terrain gradually rises as the aircraft moves southwestward toward the Valley of Mexico's 7,400-foot elevation.