While the San Sebastian departure offers dramatic coastal and mountain scenery, the transatlantic crossing is dominated by 5+ hours of open ocean (scoring capped at 2.0 for that segment). The JFK approach compensates with exceptional urban scenery—the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Jamaica Bay wetlands create visual variety and landmark density that the left side cannot match over the Atlantic. Right seats deliver the more memorable overall experience.
Flown EAS to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Sebastian to New York is 3,582 miles (5,765 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing south of Ireland and the UK, then over the North Atlantic. Notable geographic waypoints include the Irish coast (visible on departure if climbing northeastward), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), and the approach to North America via Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The descent into New York crosses the Canadian Maritimes, then Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay before landing at JFK.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EAS
LEFTSan Sebastian sits on the Basque coast with the Bay of Biscay immediately north and the Pyrenees foothills visible inland. Left seats capture the dramatic coastline, harbor, and mountain backdrop during climb-out.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTThe westbound approach to JFK crosses the Atlantic, then descends over Long Island and Jamaica Bay. Right seats face south and southwest during final approach, capturing the New York City skyline, the East River, and the distinctive geometry of Manhattan's grid before touching down.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Sebastian (EAS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Sebastian to New York. While the San Sebastian departure offers dramatic coastal and mountain scenery, the transatlantic crossing is dominated by 5+ hours of open ocean (scoring capped at 2.0 for that segment). The JFK approach compensates with exceptional urban scenery—the Manhattan skyline, East River, and Jamaica Bay wetlands create visual variety and landmark density that the left side cannot match over the Atlantic. Right seats deliver the more memorable overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from San Sebastian in San Sebastian?
During takeoff from San Sebastian (EAS), sit on the Left side for the best views. San Sebastian sits on the Basque coast with the Bay of Biscay immediately north and the Pyrenees foothills visible inland. Left seats capture the dramatic coastline, harbor, and mountain backdrop during climb-out. Notable sights include: Bay of Biscay coastline, San Sebastian harbor and city grid, Pyrenees foothills to the south, Cantabrian coastal cliffs.
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. The westbound approach to JFK crosses the Atlantic, then descends over Long Island and Jamaica Bay. Right seats face south and southwest during final approach, capturing the New York City skyline, the East River, and the distinctive geometry of Manhattan's grid before touching down. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and East River, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Long Island urban sprawl, JFK runway complex and surrounding airport infrastructure.
How long is the flight from San Sebastian to New York?
The flight from San Sebastian (EAS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,582 miles (5,765 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Sebastian to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing south of Ireland and the UK, then over the North Atlantic. Notable geographic waypoints include the Irish coast (visible on departure if climbing northeastward), the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (underwater, not visible), and the approach to North America via Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. The descent into New York crosses the Canadian Maritimes, then Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay before landing at JFK.