The left side offers a longer, richer stretch of scenery: the historic Athens skyline, Acropolis, and Saronic Gulf islands during the extended departure turn, plus potential glimpses of the Adriatic coastline and Alpine foothills early in the cruise, whereas the right side's main highlight—the Manhattan skyline—appears only briefly during the final minutes before landing.
Flown ATH to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Athens to New York is 4,929 miles (7,932 km), a flight of about 11 hours 5 minutes.
After crossing the Adriatic Sea and northern Italy, the route passes near the Alps before heading out over the Bay of Biscay and into the open North Atlantic; the flight's midpoint lies over featureless ocean roughly south of Iceland and east of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours until the Canadian coast near Nova Scotia comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ATH
LEFTATH departures typically use runway 03, climbing NNE before banking west toward Europe. That left turn swings the Athens skyline, the Acropolis on its rocky hill, and the Saronic Gulf with its islands into view on the left side, while the right side only shows the flatter Mesogeia plain and a plain stretch of Aegean coastline near Marathon.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTJFK arrivals from Europe descend over Long Island Sound and typically land on runway 22, turning southwest on final approach. That alignment puts the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Queens shoreline on the right side, while the left side faces open Atlantic water and the flat, featureless barrier beaches of the Rockaways.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Athens to New York. The left side offers a longer, richer stretch of scenery: the historic Athens skyline, Acropolis, and Saronic Gulf islands during the extended departure turn, plus potential glimpses of the Adriatic coastline and Alpine foothills early in the cruise, whereas the right side's main highlight—the Manhattan skyline—appears only briefly during the final minutes before landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
During takeoff from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. ATH departures typically use runway 03, climbing NNE before banking west toward Europe. That left turn swings the Athens skyline, the Acropolis on its rocky hill, and the Saronic Gulf with its islands into view on the left side, while the right side only shows the flatter Mesogeia plain and a plain stretch of Aegean coastline near Marathon. Notable sights include: Acropolis and Athens historic center, Saronic Gulf islands (Aegina, Salamis), Piraeus harbor, Mount Hymettus.
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. JFK arrivals from Europe descend over Long Island Sound and typically land on runway 22, turning southwest on final approach. That alignment puts the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Queens shoreline on the right side, while the left side faces open Atlantic water and the flat, featureless barrier beaches of the Rockaways. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (including One World Trade and Empire State Building), East River, Long Island Sound, Queens waterfront.
How long is the flight from Athens to New York?
The flight from Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 11 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,929 miles (7,932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Athens to New York flight path pass over?
After crossing the Adriatic Sea and northern Italy, the route passes near the Alps before heading out over the Bay of Biscay and into the open North Atlantic; the flight's midpoint lies over featureless ocean roughly south of Iceland and east of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours until the Canadian coast near Nova Scotia comes into view.