The left side wins on both ends — a genuinely scenic Edinburgh departure over the Forth and Old Town, plus a New York arrival that reveals Jamaica Bay, the coastline, and a distant Manhattan skyline. The right side sees mostly open Atlantic Ocean for the 5+ hour crossing, capping its ceiling at 2.0.
Flight Path
The majority of the route crosses the open North Atlantic Ocean, passing well south of Iceland and Greenland with no land visible for several hours before approaching the North American coast near Nova Scotia.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EDI
LEFTDeparting EDI to the west/south, the left side offers views over the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh's skyline with the Castle and Arthur's Seat, before the route turns toward the Southern Uplands. This is genuinely the most scenic moment of the whole flight.
Landing at JFK
LEFTFlights into JFK from the east/northeast typically bank over Long Island's south shore and Jamaica Bay, giving left-side passengers views of the Atlantic coastline, barrier beaches, and the Manhattan skyline in the distance before landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edinburgh (EDI) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edinburgh to New York. The left side wins on both ends — a genuinely scenic Edinburgh departure over the Forth and Old Town, plus a New York arrival that reveals Jamaica Bay, the coastline, and a distant Manhattan skyline. The right side sees mostly open Atlantic Ocean for the 5+ hour crossing, capping its ceiling at 2.0.
What can I see during takeoff from Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
During takeoff from Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing EDI to the west/south, the left side offers views over the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh's skyline with the Castle and Arthur's Seat, before the route turns toward the Southern Uplands. This is genuinely the most scenic moment of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle and Old Town, Arthur's Seat, Pentland Hills.
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. Flights into JFK from the east/northeast typically bank over Long Island's south shore and Jamaica Bay, giving left-side passengers views of the Atlantic coastline, barrier beaches, and the Manhattan skyline in the distance before landing. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Long Island south shore beaches, Manhattan skyline, Rockaway Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Edinburgh to New York?
The flight from Edinburgh (EDI) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 7h 05m.
What does the Edinburgh to New York flight path pass over?
The majority of the route crosses the open North Atlantic Ocean, passing well south of Iceland and Greenland with no land visible for several hours before approaching the North American coast near Nova Scotia.