The right side wins primarily on departure, offering a dramatic close-up of Mount Rainier and the Cascades right after takeoff, a far more striking scene than the flat plains and lake views typically seen elsewhere on this transcontinental route. The Manhattan skyline glimpse on landing (left side) is nice but brief and less visually dominant than the volcanic peak.
Flight Path
Rocky Mountain front range near Montana, the Great Plains of North Dakota and Minnesota, and the western edge of the Great Lakes basin
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTDeparting runway 14 to the southeast, the right side gives a strong view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone rising above the Cascade foothills, along with the forested Cascade Range stretching along the horizon. The left side mostly shows the flatter Kent Valley and industrial areas south of Seattle.
Landing at JFK
LEFTOn the descent into JFK from the northeast, the approach path over Long Island Sound and western Long Island puts the Manhattan skyline and the East River off the left side before the turn onto final approach. The right side mostly faces open water and the flatter South Shore beaches.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to New York. The right side wins primarily on departure, offering a dramatic close-up of Mount Rainier and the Cascades right after takeoff, a far more striking scene than the flat plains and lake views typically seen elsewhere on this transcontinental route. The Manhattan skyline glimpse on landing (left side) is nice but brief and less visually dominant than the volcanic peak.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing runway 14 to the southeast, the right side gives a strong view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone rising above the Cascade foothills, along with the forested Cascade Range stretching along the horizon. The left side mostly shows the flatter Kent Valley and industrial areas south of Seattle. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade Range foothills, Lake Washington, Seattle's southern suburbs.
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. On the descent into JFK from the northeast, the approach path over Long Island Sound and western Long Island puts the Manhattan skyline and the East River off the left side before the turn onto final approach. The right side mostly faces open water and the flatter South Shore beaches. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, East River, Throgs Neck Bridge area.
How long is the flight from Seattle to New York?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 4h 55m.
What does the Seattle to New York flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain front range near Montana, the Great Plains of North Dakota and Minnesota, and the western edge of the Great Lakes basin