While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach into Hong Kong—which offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—is significantly better from the right. The descent over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island's peaks provides superior views for the majority of passengers' final impression of the flight.
Flown EWR to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Hong Kong is 8,053 miles (12,960 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic (Greenland visible on northerly routing), then proceeds over northern Canada or Arctic regions depending on seasonal routing. Over the Pacific, the aircraft passes north of Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, with potential views of the East China Sea before approaching Hong Kong from the northwest. Major visible features include: the Labrador Sea and Baffin Island (early flight), the Arctic Ocean or northern Canadian archipelago (midpoint), and the East China Sea with coastal China visible during final approach hours.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Newark. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTRight seats provide views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's dramatic peaks, and Kowloon Peninsula during the final descent into Hong Kong International. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, making right-side seats ideal for harbor and mountain scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Hong Kong. While takeoff favors the left, the landing approach into Hong Kong—which offers more dramatic and sustained scenery—is significantly better from the right. The descent over Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island's peaks provides superior views for the majority of passengers' final impression of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Newark. Right seats face inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center visible on clear days), New Jersey Palisades, Upper New York Bay.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island's dramatic peaks, and Kowloon Peninsula during the final descent into Hong Kong International. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, making right-side seats ideal for harbor and mountain scenery. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island peaks (The Peak at 1,811 feet), Kowloon Peninsula, New Territories mountains.
How long is the flight from Newark to Hong Kong?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,053 miles (12,960 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic (Greenland visible on northerly routing), then proceeds over northern Canada or Arctic regions depending on seasonal routing. Over the Pacific, the aircraft passes north of Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, with potential views of the East China Sea before approaching Hong Kong from the northwest. Major visible features include: the Labrador Sea and Baffin Island (early flight), the Arctic Ocean or northern Canadian archipelago (midpoint), and the East China Sea with coastal China visible during final approach hours.