Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to San Jose. Left seats win overall because the landing approach into San Jose offers more dramatic and sustained visual interest—the Cordillera Central mountains dominate the descent, and the Central Valley geography is exceptional. While takeoff from Montreal favors the right, the landing experience is more rewarding and geographically significant.

During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Montreal typically departs eastbound (Runways 06L/06R) or westbound (Runways 24L/24R). Right seats offer the best view of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains to the north during initial climb. If departing westbound, right seats capture the Ottawa River valley and Gatineau Hills. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (immediate south), Laurentian Mountains (north, receding), Montreal urban grid (beneath/behind), Lake of Two Mountains (northwest, visible on westbound departures).

When landing at Juan Santamaria International (SJO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching San Jose typically uses Runway 02 or 20 depending on wind. Left seats provide superior views of the Central Valley of Costa Rica, the Cordillera Central mountains, and the descent into the San Jose basin. The terrain is dramatic and the approach path offers continuous mountain and valley views. Notable sights include: Cordillera Central (dominant mountain range, north and west), Central Valley floor (agricultural patchwork), Irazu or Poas volcanic peaks (visible on clear days, northeast), San Jose urban area (approaching).

The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Juan Santamaria International (SJO) takes Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

The flight path crosses the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula (around 2.5 hours into flight). The Yucatan appears as a flat, low limestone platform with limited elevation. As you approach Central America, the Sierra Madre mountain ranges of southern Mexico and Guatemala become visible on the left (west) side. The Caribbean coast and Central American isthmus gradually come into view. The terrain transitions from flat to increasingly mountainous as you approach Costa Rica, with the volcanic peaks of the Cordillera Central becoming prominent in the final approach phase.