The right side captures both scenic bookends of this short flight - Lake Erie and Buffalo's waterfront at takeoff, and the Manhattan skyline with the East River at landing - while the left side mainly offers the less distinctive Finger Lakes and Catskill hills during cruise.
Flown BUF to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Buffalo to New York is 301 miles (484 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The route crosses New York's Southern Tier and the northern edge of the Finger Lakes region, then passes over the forested ridgelines of the Catskill Mountains and Pocono foothills before descending into the New York metropolitan area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUF
RIGHTDeparting BUF on runway 23 typically climbs southwest before turning east toward JFK, giving right-side passengers a clear look at Lake Erie's shoreline and Buffalo's waterfront before the turn away from the lake.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTArrivals into JFK from the west commonly turn south over Long Island Sound before lining up on runway 22L/22R, putting the Manhattan skyline and East River on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to New York. The right side captures both scenic bookends of this short flight - Lake Erie and Buffalo's waterfront at takeoff, and the Manhattan skyline with the East River at landing - while the left side mainly offers the less distinctive Finger Lakes and Catskill hills during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing BUF on runway 23 typically climbs southwest before turning east toward JFK, giving right-side passengers a clear look at Lake Erie's shoreline and Buffalo's waterfront before the turn away from the lake. Notable sights include: Lake Erie shoreline, Buffalo Outer Harbor breakwall, downtown Buffalo skyline, Niagara River mouth.
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. Arrivals into JFK from the west commonly turn south over Long Island Sound before lining up on runway 22L/22R, putting the Manhattan skyline and East River on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, LaGuardia Airport, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Buffalo to New York?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 301 miles (484 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Buffalo to New York flight path pass over?
The route crosses New York's Southern Tier and the northern edge of the Finger Lakes region, then passes over the forested ridgelines of the Catskill Mountains and Pocono foothills before descending into the New York metropolitan area.