The right side offers a more scenic overall journey — coastal Netherlands and Scottish waters during departure, and a striking New York City skyline view during arrival — while the left side mostly shows open ocean and flat terrain.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic south of Iceland, passing near the southern tip of Greenland and over the Labrador Sea before making landfall near Newfoundland, Canada.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDeparting Schiphol on a WNW heading, the right side faces north over the Dutch coastline, IJsselmeer, and then the North Sea toward Scotland and the Hebrides, giving more varied coastal terrain than the left, which only shows the flat Dutch polders and later a glimpse of the English Channel.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn approach to JFK from the northeast, the aircraft typically turns southwest toward runway 22L/22R, putting Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and Long Island Sound on the right side, while the left only shows open Atlantic and the flat Rockaway peninsula.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to New York. The right side offers a more scenic overall journey — coastal Netherlands and Scottish waters during departure, and a striking New York City skyline view during arrival — while the left side mostly shows open ocean and flat terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Schiphol on a WNW heading, the right side faces north over the Dutch coastline, IJsselmeer, and then the North Sea toward Scotland and the Hebrides, giving more varied coastal terrain than the left, which only shows the flat Dutch polders and later a glimpse of the English Channel. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer, Dutch North Sea coast, Frisian Islands, distant view toward Scotland's coastline.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to JFK from the northeast, the aircraft typically turns southwest toward runway 22L/22R, putting Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and Long Island Sound on the right side, while the left only shows open Atlantic and the flat Rockaway peninsula. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, East River, Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to New York?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 7h 50m.
What does the Amsterdam to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic south of Iceland, passing near the southern tip of Greenland and over the Labrador Sea before making landfall near Newfoundland, Canada.