Seeing Havana from a plane
Photo: RenaatPeeters, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Founded by the Spanish in 1519, its narrow harbor entrance is guarded by El Morro fortress. Look for the curving Malecón seawall along the shore and the old city's tight blocks by the harbor.
3 of our routes pass it. Cuba
The easy pick
Miami to Roatan Island: sit on the right, 31 min after takeoff.
Which side, by route
| Route | Side | When |
|---|---|---|
| Miami to Roatan Island | Right | 31 min after takeoff |
| Miami to Havana | Left (the right side is better for the whole flight) | on the way down |
| New York to San Salvador | Left | 152 min after takeoff |
From the real paths of every nonstop on these routes in the last 10 days, at the usual time of day. Where the best seat for the whole flight is on the other side, you'd trade this sight for more elsewhere.
Questions
Which side of the plane do you see Havana from?
It depends on the direction: the left on most of our routes (2 of 3). The table lists each route's side.
When can you see Havana from a plane?
Near the airport, on the climb or on the way down, and mid-flight on longer routes: see the table for each route.
Can you see Havana at night?
Yes, by its lights. The app scores lit places at night by how bright they are.
Do clouds matter?
Yes. These answers assume a clear day. Within 3 days of your flight, pick your exact flight in the app for the cloud forecast.
More
Seven Mile Bridge Florida Keys Everglades Miami (MIA) New York (JFK) All routes