The right side wins because it captures both of the flight's only real scenic moments: the Rocky Mountain Front Range during departure and the Manhattan skyline/harbor area during the JFK approach. The cruise portion over the Great Plains and Midwest is largely flat and unremarkable regardless of side.
Flown DEN to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to New York is 1,622 miles (2,610 km), a flight of about 3 hours 45 minutes.
Great Plains of Nebraska and Kansas, the Mississippi River near the Iowa-Illinois border, farmland of the Ohio Valley, and the rolling Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania as the route approaches the East Coast
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
RIGHTDEN typically departs on the south-facing 17-series runways given prevailing winds, so during the initial southbound climb the right side faces west toward the Front Range. Passengers get a brief but genuine view of the Rocky Mountains including the foothills near Mount Evans before the aircraft turns east toward New York.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn approach to JFK's 22L/22R runways, arriving flights from the west often swing south over Staten Island and Jamaica Bay before turning onto final, putting Manhattan and the harbor on the right side. This gives a brief but striking skyline and coastline view just before touchdown, something the left side over eastern Long Island doesn't offer.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to New York. The right side wins because it captures both of the flight's only real scenic moments: the Rocky Mountain Front Range during departure and the Manhattan skyline/harbor area during the JFK approach. The cruise portion over the Great Plains and Midwest is largely flat and unremarkable regardless of side.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. DEN typically departs on the south-facing 17-series runways given prevailing winds, so during the initial southbound climb the right side faces west toward the Front Range. Passengers get a brief but genuine view of the Rocky Mountains including the foothills near Mount Evans before the aircraft turns east toward New York. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rockies, Mount Evans massif, Denver's western suburbs, South Platte River valley.
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. On approach to JFK's 22L/22R runways, arriving flights from the west often swing south over Staten Island and Jamaica Bay before turning onto final, putting Manhattan and the harbor on the right side. This gives a brief but striking skyline and coastline view just before touchdown, something the left side over eastern Long Island doesn't offer. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands.
How long is the flight from Denver to New York?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to New York flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Nebraska and Kansas, the Mississippi River near the Iowa-Illinois border, farmland of the Ohio Valley, and the rolling Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania as the route approaches the East Coast