While takeoff offers Brasília's unique modernist design on the right, the landing approach into New York provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and Atlantic coastline visible from the left side. The landing views are more visually distinctive for most passengers.
Flown BSB to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Brasilia to New York is 4,242 miles (6,827 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 4,000 nautical miles. Notable features include the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal (if visible during early climb), the open Atlantic with occasional weather systems, and the approach to the US East Coast with the continental shelf and coastal features becoming visible during descent into New York airspace.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BSB
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Brasília's distinctive modernist urban layout and the surrounding cerrado landscape as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The city's geometric design and artificial lakes are visible during initial climb.
Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into the New York area, including the Hudson River, Manhattan's grid pattern, and the Atlantic coastline. The approach path from the north offers clear sightlines to these iconic features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Brasilia to New York. While takeoff offers Brasília's unique modernist design on the right, the landing approach into New York provides more dramatic and iconic scenery with the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and Atlantic coastline visible from the left side. The landing views are more visually distinctive for most passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek in Brasilia?
During takeoff from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Brasília's distinctive modernist urban layout and the surrounding cerrado landscape as the aircraft climbs northeastward. The city's geometric design and artificial lakes are visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Brasília's central planalto and artificial lakes (Lago Paranoá), cerrado grasslands extending to the horizon, and the escarpment edge of the Brazilian Plateau to the east.
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 descent into the New York area, including the Hudson River, Manhattan's grid pattern, and the Atlantic coastline. The approach path from the north offers clear sightlines to these iconic features. Notable sights include: Hudson River and its confluence with the East River, Manhattan's rectangular street grid and skyline, Long Island Sound, and the Atlantic coastline with barrier islands.
How long is the flight from Brasilia to New York?
The flight from Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,242 miles (6,827 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Brasilia to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 4,000 nautical miles. Notable features include the Brazilian coast near Recife or Natal (if visible during early climb), the open Atlantic with occasional weather systems, and the approach to the US East Coast with the continental shelf and coastal features becoming visible during descent into New York airspace.