The right seat delivers the spectacular Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula departure, which is one of the most dramatic urban-mountain aerial views in the world. The landing views from the left are excellent but more commonly seen. The takeoff experience tips the balance to the right side.
Flight Path
The route tracks northwestward across the South Atlantic, passing well west of the West African coast near Senegal and Mauritania. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers no land features but the ITCZ cloud band near the equator is often visible. The flight then crosses the Caribbean or approaches via the US East Coast depending on routing, with possible views of Bermuda and the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the final hours.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CPT
RIGHTCape Town International's primary departure runway 01 sends aircraft northward, putting Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Atlantic seaboard on the right side. You get a direct broadside view of the flat-topped massif and the city bowl below it as you climb out over the Cape Flats.
Landing at EWR
LEFTNewark Liberty typically uses runway 22L or 29 for arrivals from the east and south, with approaches over New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. A left window seat captures the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty on the approach from the southeast.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cape Town International (CPT) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cape Town to Newark. The right seat delivers the spectacular Table Mountain and Cape Peninsula departure, which is one of the most dramatic urban-mountain aerial views in the world. The landing views from the left are excellent but more commonly seen. The takeoff experience tips the balance to the right side.
What can I see during takeoff from Cape Town International in Cape Town?
During takeoff from Cape Town International (CPT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Cape Town International's primary departure runway 01 sends aircraft northward, putting Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Atlantic seaboard on the right side. You get a direct broadside view of the flat-topped massif and the city bowl below it as you climb out over the Cape Flats. Notable sights include: Table Mountain and its flat summit plateau, the Cape Town city bowl and V&A Waterfront, Robben Island in Table Bay, the Twelve Apostles mountain range running south along the Atlantic coast.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Newark Liberty typically uses runway 22L or 29 for arrivals from the east and south, with approaches over New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. A left window seat captures the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty on the approach from the southeast. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, the Hudson River and New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from Cape Town to Newark?
The flight from Cape Town International (CPT) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes Approximately 16 to 17 hours nonstop.
What does the Cape Town to Newark flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwestward across the South Atlantic, passing well west of the West African coast near Senegal and Mauritania. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers no land features but the ITCZ cloud band near the equator is often visible. The flight then crosses the Caribbean or approaches via the US East Coast depending on routing, with possible views of Bermuda and the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the final hours.