Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side captures the Rhine valley on departure and the iconic New York Harbor approach on arrival, making it the clear overall choice.
Flown DUS to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Duesseldorf to New York is 3,739 miles (6,017 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks northwest over the Netherlands and the North Sea, then across southern Scotland or northern England, before heading out over the North Atlantic. The flight passes south of Iceland and Greenland's southern tip, where passengers on both sides may see sea ice and fjords if visibility allows. The route then crosses Labrador and Quebec before descending toward New England and New York. The North Atlantic itself offers little below the clouds, but on clear days the Labrador coast and Gulf of St. Lawrence are visible in the final two hours.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DUS
LEFTDUS typically departs on runway 05R/23L or 05L/23R. Westbound departures heading toward the Atlantic often involve a left turn after takeoff, putting the left side over the Rhine River valley and central Düsseldorf's Old Town and media harbor. The Rhine is clearly visible as a broad silver ribbon running north-south through the city.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK arrivals from the east typically approach over the Atlantic and land on runway 22L or 13R, with the final approach track bringing the aircraft over Jamaica Bay and Long Island. The left side gets a clear view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the sweep of New York Harbor as the plane descends over the bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dusseldorf (DUS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Duesseldorf to New York. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic the views are similar on both sides, but the left side captures the Rhine valley on departure and the iconic New York Harbor approach on arrival, making it the clear overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Dusseldorf in Duesseldorf?
During takeoff from Dusseldorf (DUS), sit on the Left side for the best views. DUS typically departs on runway 05R/23L or 05L/23R. Westbound departures heading toward the Atlantic often involve a left turn after takeoff, putting the left side over the Rhine River valley and central Düsseldorf's Old Town and media harbor. The Rhine is clearly visible as a broad silver ribbon running north-south through the city. Notable sights include: Rhine River snaking through Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Old Town (Altstadt) rooftops, Rhine-Ruhr urban sprawl to the north, Ruhr industrial corridor in the distance.
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 arrivals from the east typically approach over the Atlantic and land on runway 22L or 13R, with the final approach track bringing the aircraft over Jamaica Bay and Long Island. The left side gets a clear view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the sweep of New York Harbor as the plane descends over the bay. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Brooklyn waterfront.
How long is the flight from Duesseldorf to New York?
The flight from Dusseldorf (DUS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,739 miles (6,017 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Duesseldorf to New York flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Netherlands and the North Sea, then across southern Scotland or northern England, before heading out over the North Atlantic. The flight passes south of Iceland and Greenland's southern tip, where passengers on both sides may see sea ice and fjords if visibility allows. The route then crosses Labrador and Quebec before descending toward New England and New York. The North Atlantic itself offers little below the clouds, but on clear days the Labrador coast and Gulf of St. Lawrence are visible in the final two hours.