About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to New York. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise phase heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridgelines visible in western Virginia and the DC metro area passing in the distance, making it the stronger choice throughout the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Charlotte Douglas primarily departs northeast on runway 18C/36C or 18L/36L. Departing northeast, the left (west-facing) side gives you a view back over Charlotte's uptown skyline as you climb out. The right side faces east toward open Piedmont farmland with little of interest. Notable sights include: Uptown Charlotte skyline, Lake Norman to the northwest, Lake Wylie to the southwest, Catawba River corridor.
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 primarily lands from the west or southwest on runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R. On approach from the southwest, the left side faces south over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways barrier beach, and the Atlantic Ocean, while also giving a clear view of lower Manhattan's skyline to the northwest as you descend. The right side looks north over Queens residential neighborhoods with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (lower and midtown), Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula barrier beach, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to New York?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Charlotte to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the North Carolina Piedmont, crosses into Virginia over the Dan River region, passes west of Richmond, then over the Northern Virginia suburbs and the Potomac River corridor near Washington DC (visible to the left on clear days), continues over the Delaware River valley, crosses into New Jersey over the Pine Barrens, and descends over the New York Harbor area. The Blue Ridge and Virginia Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians are visible to the left (west) during the Virginia segment on clear days.