The right side dominates because it captures the Rocky Mountains near Calgary at takeoff and, during cruise, tracks along the western mountain corridor through Montana, Utah's Great Basin, and the Baja California peninsula before crossing the Sea of Cortez into Mexico, offering far more terrain variety than the flatter plains visible from the left.
Flown YYC to PVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Calgary to Puerto Vallarta is 2,156 miles (3,470 km), a flight of about 4 hours 35 minutes.
Rocky Mountain ranges of Montana and Idaho, the Great Basin and Wasatch Range near Utah, the Sonoran Desert, and the Sea of Cortez separating Baja California from mainland Mexico
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYC
RIGHTDeparting YYC southbound on runway 17, the right (west) side gets an immediate view of the Rocky Mountain front range near Banff and Kananaskis as the aircraft climbs out over the foothills. The left side only shows the flat prairie stretching east from Calgary.
Landing at PVR
LEFTOn approach to PVR runway 04 from the southwest, the aircraft banks in over the Bahía de Banderas, giving the left side a sweeping view of the turquoise bay, the coastline, and Puerto Vallarta's marina before touchdown. The right side mainly faces inland toward the Sierra Madre foothills, which are scenic but less dramatic than the bay.
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 Calgary International (YYC) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Calgary to Puerto Vallarta. The right side dominates because it captures the Rocky Mountains near Calgary at takeoff and, during cruise, tracks along the western mountain corridor through Montana, Utah's Great Basin, and the Baja California peninsula before crossing the Sea of Cortez into Mexico, offering far more terrain variety than the flatter plains visible from the left.
What can I see during takeoff from Calgary International in Calgary?
During takeoff from Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YYC southbound on runway 17, the right (west) side gets an immediate view of the Rocky Mountain front range near Banff and Kananaskis as the aircraft climbs out over the foothills. The left side only shows the flat prairie stretching east from Calgary. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain front range, Bow Valley foothills, Kananaskis peaks.
What can I see when landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International in Puerto Vallarta?
When landing at Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to PVR runway 04 from the southwest, the aircraft banks in over the Bahía de Banderas, giving the left side a sweeping view of the turquoise bay, the coastline, and Puerto Vallarta's marina before touchdown. The right side mainly faces inland toward the Sierra Madre foothills, which are scenic but less dramatic than the bay. Notable sights include: Bahía de Banderas, Puerto Vallarta marina and coastline, Sierra Madre Occidental foothills.
How long is the flight from Calgary to Puerto Vallarta?
The flight from Calgary International (YYC) to Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International (PVR) takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,156 miles (3,470 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Calgary to Puerto Vallarta flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain ranges of Montana and Idaho, the Great Basin and Wasatch Range near Utah, the Sonoran Desert, and the Sea of Cortez separating Baja California from mainland Mexico