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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Buffalo to New York. The left side wins at both ends of this short flight. You get Niagara Falls and the Lake Erie shoreline on departure, and Manhattan plus Jamaica Bay on approach. The right side offers Lake Ontario briefly on departure and the Atlantic Ocean on approach — both far less compelling.
What can I see during takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International in Buffalo?
During takeoff from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Buffalo Niagara typically departs east on runway 23 or south on runway 14. A left-side seat during eastbound departure gives you a clear view back toward Niagara Falls and the Niagara River gorge as the aircraft banks south. The falls are only about 15 miles northwest and remain visible for several minutes during climb-out. Notable sights include: Niagara Falls and the Niagara River gorge, Lake Erie's eastern shoreline, downtown Buffalo waterfront along the Buffalo River, Grand Island in the Niagara River.
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. JFK approaches predominantly from the west or southwest on runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R. On a westerly approach, the left side gives you the best view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, New York Harbor, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge as the aircraft descends over Jamaica Bay. The right side faces south toward the open Atlantic, which is far less interesting. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay and its wildlife refuge grid of channels, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the broad expanse of New York Harbor.
How long is the flight from Buffalo to New York?
The flight from Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
What does the Buffalo to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across the Southern Tier of New York State, passing over the Finger Lakes region — Seneca and Cayuga Lakes are often visible as long narrow blue strips oriented north-south in the rolling plateau. The Catskill Mountains appear as a broad upland in the distance as the aircraft begins descent. The Hudson Valley cuts north-south below before the aircraft turns toward the coast.