The right side wins because it captures the only real terrain features on this route — the Adirondack-Champlain landscape at departure and Costa Rica's volcanic Central Valley at arrival — while the left side spends most of the flight over the featureless Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
Flown YUL to SJO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to San Jose is 2,528 miles (4,069 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Gulf of Mexico, western Cuba coastline (occasionally visible), Caribbean Sea, Nicaraguan lowlands near Lake Nicaragua
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTDeparting YUL on runway 24 the aircraft turns south, giving right-side passengers a view over the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain basin as the plane climbs, while the left side mostly shows flat farmland east of the St. Lawrence.
Landing at SJO
RIGHTOn approach into SJO the aircraft descends into Costa Rica's Central Valley, and the west side offers clear views of the volcanic peaks of Poás and Barva rising above the valley, while the east side shows less distinctive lowland terrain.
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 Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to San Jose. The right side wins because it captures the only real terrain features on this route — the Adirondack-Champlain landscape at departure and Costa Rica's volcanic Central Valley at arrival — while the left side spends most of the flight over the featureless Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YUL on runway 24 the aircraft turns south, giving right-side passengers a view over the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain basin as the plane climbs, while the left side mostly shows flat farmland east of the St. Lawrence. Notable sights include: Lake Champlain, Adirondack Mountains, St. Lawrence River valley.
What can I see when landing at Juan Santamaria International in San Jose?
When landing at Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into SJO the aircraft descends into Costa Rica's Central Valley, and the west side offers clear views of the volcanic peaks of Poás and Barva rising above the valley, while the east side shows less distinctive lowland terrain. Notable sights include: Poás Volcano, Barva Volcano, Central Valley of Costa Rica, San Jose cityscape.
How long is the flight from Montreal to San Jose?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,528 miles (4,069 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to San Jose flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico, western Cuba coastline (occasionally visible), Caribbean Sea, Nicaraguan lowlands near Lake Nicaragua