The left side wins on the strength of the New York takeoff sequence, one of the most iconic urban views in aviation, while both sides share the same long, visually quiet ocean and desert crossing. The right side's Johannesburg approach is pleasant but less dramatic than Manhattan and the harbor.
Flown EWR to JNB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Johannesburg is 7,994 miles (12,865 km), a flight of about 15 hours 10 minutes.
The route crosses the North Atlantic before angling south over Mauritania and Mali, passing over the sparse dunes of the western Sahara, then continues over the savanna and forest belts of Central Africa (Niger, Chad, Congo Basin fringes) before descending over Zambia and Zimbabwe into South Africa's Highveld.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTDeparting EWR on runway 22 with the customary left turn to head out over the Atlantic puts Manhattan and New York Harbor squarely on the left side of the aircraft. It's one of the most recognizable urban views in commercial aviation, giving the left side a strong scenic edge right out of the gate.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTOn the turn onto final approach into Johannesburg, the city's skyline and the distinctive yellow-white mine dumps ringing the metro area come into view on the right side, breaking up the otherwise flat Highveld plateau. It's a modest but genuine visual payoff after a long stretch of featureless cruise.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Johannesburg. The left side wins on the strength of the New York takeoff sequence, one of the most iconic urban views in aviation, while both sides share the same long, visually quiet ocean and desert crossing. The right side's Johannesburg approach is pleasant but less dramatic than Manhattan and the harbor.
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. Departing EWR on runway 22 with the customary left turn to head out over the Atlantic puts Manhattan and New York Harbor squarely on the left side of the aircraft. It's one of the most recognizable urban views in commercial aviation, giving the left side a strong scenic edge right out of the gate. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center), New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the turn onto final approach into Johannesburg, the city's skyline and the distinctive yellow-white mine dumps ringing the metro area come into view on the right side, breaking up the otherwise flat Highveld plateau. It's a modest but genuine visual payoff after a long stretch of featureless cruise. Notable sights include: Sandton skyline, Johannesburg CBD, historic gold mine tailings dumps, the flat Highveld plateau.
How long is the flight from Newark to Johannesburg?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes about 15 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,994 miles (12,865 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic before angling south over Mauritania and Mali, passing over the sparse dunes of the western Sahara, then continues over the savanna and forest belts of Central Africa (Niger, Chad, Congo Basin fringes) before descending over Zambia and Zimbabwe into South Africa's Highveld.