Takeoff from STT on left seats offers superior views of the British Virgin Islands and Caribbean geography. While landing views are comparable on both sides, the dramatic island scenery during departure outweighs the relatively flat approach into Barinas.
Flight Path
Flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea southwestward. Approximately 90 minutes into flight, you'll pass east of Margarita Island (Venezuela) at distance. The Orinoco Delta region becomes visible on the right side during descent into Venezuelan airspace, appearing as a complex network of waterways and mangrove forests. The terrain transitions from open ocean to increasingly mountainous terrain as you approach the Andes foothills near Barinas.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STT
LEFTSTT typically departs runway 09 (westbound). Left seats face north during climb-out, giving direct views of the British Virgin Islands and the Sir Francis Drake Channel as you climb away from St. Thomas.
Landing at BNS
RIGHTBNS uses runway 09 for most operations (westbound approaches). Right seats face south during descent, providing views of the Andes foothills and the Barinas valley as you descend into the airport. The terrain south of Barinas is more visually distinctive than the flat plains to the north.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cyril E King (STT) to Barinas (BNS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Thomas to Barinas. Takeoff from STT on left seats offers superior views of the British Virgin Islands and Caribbean geography. While landing views are comparable on both sides, the dramatic island scenery during departure outweighs the relatively flat approach into Barinas.
What can I see during takeoff from Cyril E King in St. Thomas?
During takeoff from Cyril E King (STT), sit on the Left side for the best views. STT typically departs runway 09 (westbound). Left seats face north during climb-out, giving direct views of the British Virgin Islands and the Sir Francis Drake Channel as you climb away from St. Thomas. Notable sights include: British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda), Sir Francis Drake Channel, Anegada (northern horizon), Caribbean Sea.
What can I see when landing at Barinas in Barinas?
When landing at Barinas (BNS), sit on the Right side for the best views. BNS uses runway 09 for most operations (westbound approaches). Right seats face south during descent, providing views of the Andes foothills and the Barinas valley as you descend into the airport. The terrain south of Barinas is more visually distinctive than the flat plains to the north. Notable sights include: Andes foothills (Sierra de Lara), Barinas valley floor, Río Apure (brown water visible), agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from St. Thomas to Barinas?
The flight from Cyril E King (STT) to Barinas (BNS) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the St. Thomas to Barinas flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea southwestward. Approximately 90 minutes into flight, you'll pass east of Margarita Island (Venezuela) at distance. The Orinoco Delta region becomes visible on the right side during descent into Venezuelan airspace, appearing as a complex network of waterways and mangrove forests. The terrain transitions from open ocean to increasingly mountainous terrain as you approach the Andes foothills near Barinas.