While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain and coastal views on the right, the landing approach into JFK on the left provides more visually distinctive urban and water features—Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and Jamaica Bay create a more memorable final descent. The left side captures the iconic geography of the New York metropolitan area.
Flown AXT to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Akita to New York is 6,493 miles (10,450 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of the Aleutian Islands and over the Bering Sea. Over North America, the route crosses the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Canada, then descends over the Great Lakes region (Lake Ontario visible on approach). Notable midpoint features include the Aleutian volcanic arc (visible during the Pacific crossing), the Canadian Shield's forested terrain, and the transition from boreal forest to temperate deciduous forest as the aircraft approaches the northeastern United States.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AXT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ou Mountains and the Sea of Japan coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Akita. The terrain transitions from coastal plains to forested ridges, providing clear visual progression during the initial climb.
Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into JFK. The aircraft descends over Long Island Sound and the East River, with Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River visible on the left side before final approach over Jamaica Bay and the runway complex.
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 Akita (AXT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Akita to New York. While the takeoff offers dramatic mountain and coastal views on the right, the landing approach into JFK on the left provides more visually distinctive urban and water features—Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and Jamaica Bay create a more memorable final descent. The left side captures the iconic geography of the New York metropolitan area.
What can I see during takeoff from Akita in Akita?
During takeoff from Akita (AXT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Ou Mountains and the Sea of Japan coastline as the aircraft climbs northwestward from Akita. The terrain transitions from coastal plains to forested ridges, providing clear visual progression during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Ou Mountains (Ōu Sanmyaku), Sea of Japan coastline, Yoneshiro River valley, forested highlands of northern Honshu.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into JFK. The aircraft descends over Long Island Sound and the East River, with Manhattan's skyline and the Hudson River visible on the left side before final approach over Jamaica Bay and the runway complex. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, Long Island Sound, East River, Jamaica Bay and coastal marshlands.
How long is the flight from Akita to New York?
The flight from Akita (AXT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,493 miles (10,450 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Akita to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of the Aleutian Islands and over the Bering Sea. Over North America, the route crosses the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and northern Canada, then descends over the Great Lakes region (Lake Ontario visible on approach). Notable midpoint features include the Aleutian volcanic arc (visible during the Pacific crossing), the Canadian Shield's forested terrain, and the transition from boreal forest to temperate deciduous forest as the aircraft approaches the northeastern United States.