The left side wins on the strength of the dramatic Mount Etna departure sequence, which offers the trip's most striking, close-range terrain feature; the right side's Manhattan view on arrival is compelling but brief, and both sides otherwise face many hours of open Atlantic Ocean.
Flown CTA to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Catania to New York is 4,553 miles (7,328 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing well south of Ireland and north of the Azores before making landfall near Newfoundland's coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CTA
LEFTCatania's prevailing westerly winds mean departures usually roll on runway 08, heading out over the Ionian Sea before the aircraft banks left to turn northwest toward mainland Europe. During that turn, Mount Etna's snow-capped cone dominates the left-side view, along with the Sicilian coastline curving south toward Syracuse.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTTransatlantic arrivals into JFK typically descend from the northeast and turn onto approach for runways 22L/22R, tracking down over Long Island Sound and then Jamaica Bay. On this final turn, the Manhattan skyline and the East River are visible off the right side before the marshes of Jamaica Bay slide beneath the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Catania to New York. The left side wins on the strength of the dramatic Mount Etna departure sequence, which offers the trip's most striking, close-range terrain feature; the right side's Manhattan view on arrival is compelling but brief, and both sides otherwise face many hours of open Atlantic Ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Catania Fontanarossa in Catania?
During takeoff from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Catania's prevailing westerly winds mean departures usually roll on runway 08, heading out over the Ionian Sea before the aircraft banks left to turn northwest toward mainland Europe. During that turn, Mount Etna's snow-capped cone dominates the left-side view, along with the Sicilian coastline curving south toward Syracuse. Notable sights include: Mount Etna, Sicilian east coast, Ionian Sea, Catania coastline.
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. Transatlantic arrivals into JFK typically descend from the northeast and turn onto approach for runways 22L/22R, tracking down over Long Island Sound and then Jamaica Bay. On this final turn, the Manhattan skyline and the East River are visible off the right side before the marshes of Jamaica Bay slide beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay, East River.
How long is the flight from Catania to New York?
The flight from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,553 miles (7,328 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Catania to New York flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing well south of Ireland and north of the Azores before making landfall near Newfoundland's coast.