Right-side seats offer superior views at both departure and arrival. The takeoff view of the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch is iconic, and the landing approach over Lake Apopka and Florida's lake chain provides continuous visual interest throughout the descent.
Flown STL to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Orlando is 882 miles (1,420 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight path crosses Tennessee and Georgia at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible as a winding water feature with forested banks), the Cumberland Plateau's escarpment in central Tennessee, and the Appalachian foothills in northern Georgia. The landscape transitions from river valleys and ridges in Tennessee to rolling terrain in Georgia, then flattens significantly as you approach central Florida. The Gulf of Mexico remains visible to the west on clear days, appearing as a distant horizon feature. No major mountain ranges are prominent at cruise altitude on this route, but the terrain relief gradually diminishes from north to south.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTSTL typically departs runways 30L/30R (westbound) or 12L/12R (eastbound). For southbound flights to MCO, eastbound departures on 12L/12R are standard. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River immediately below and the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis as you climb out over the city.
Landing at MCO
RIGHTMCO typically uses runways 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Southbound arrivals from STL use 09L/09R. Right-side seats on approach capture Lake Apopka to the west and the distinctive linear lakes of central Florida's chain of lakes system as you descend into the Orlando area.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Orlando. Right-side seats offer superior views at both departure and arrival. The takeoff view of the Mississippi River and Gateway Arch is iconic, and the landing approach over Lake Apopka and Florida's lake chain provides continuous visual interest throughout the descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. STL typically departs runways 30L/30R (westbound) or 12L/12R (eastbound). For southbound flights to MCO, eastbound departures on 12L/12R are standard. Right-side seats capture the Mississippi River immediately below and the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis as you climb out over the city. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (directly below during initial climb), Gateway Arch (downtown St. Louis, distinctive curved structure), Illinois bluffs across the river to the east, urban sprawl of greater St. Louis extending south.
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. MCO typically uses runways 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Southbound arrivals from STL use 09L/09R. Right-side seats on approach capture Lake Apopka to the west and the distinctive linear lakes of central Florida's chain of lakes system as you descend into the Orlando area. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (large, irregular freshwater lake west of MCO), Chain of Lakes (linear string of lakes visible south and southwest of airport), Florida's flat terrain with citrus groves and pine forests, MCO airport complex with parallel runways.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Orlando?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 882 miles (1,420 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Orlando flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Tennessee and Georgia at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Tennessee River valley (visible as a winding water feature with forested banks), the Cumberland Plateau's escarpment in central Tennessee, and the Appalachian foothills in northern Georgia. The landscape transitions from river valleys and ridges in Tennessee to rolling terrain in Georgia, then flattens significantly as you approach central Florida. The Gulf of Mexico remains visible to the west on clear days, appearing as a distant horizon feature. No major mountain ranges are prominent at cruise altitude on this route, but the terrain relief gradually diminishes from north to south.