While takeoff from Newark favors the left, the landing approach into Sydney from the right side offers more dramatic natural scenery with the Blue Mountains and river valley. For a 16-hour flight, the landing experience carries more weight in seat selection.
Flown EWR to SYD? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Sydney is 9,930 miles (15,981 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 10,000 miles. Midpoint scenery is limited to open ocean, occasional cloud formations, and the International Date Line crossing. Notable geographic transitions include: departure over the Atlantic seaboard and Canadian Maritime provinces (if routed north), crossing the continental US (Rocky Mountains visible on northern routes), Pacific Ocean crossing with no land features for 8-10 hours, approach over the Tasman Sea, and final descent over the Blue Mountains and Sydney Basin. Most scenic value concentrates at takeoff and landing; the 12-hour Pacific crossing offers minimal window interest.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Newark. Right side faces inland toward New Jersey suburbs with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at SYD
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Blue Mountains, the Nepean River valley, and the approach over western Sydney suburbs. Left side faces the Tasman Sea with minimal scenic interest during descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Sydney. While takeoff from Newark favors the left, the landing approach into Sydney from the right side offers more dramatic natural scenery with the Blue Mountains and river valley. For a 16-hour flight, the landing experience carries more weight in seat selection.
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 side offers views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the New Jersey Palisades as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Newark. Right side faces 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 Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
When landing at Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Blue Mountains, the Nepean River valley, and the approach over western Sydney suburbs. Left side faces the Tasman Sea with minimal scenic interest during descent. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (distant ridge on horizon), Nepean River valley, Penrith Lakes, western Sydney urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Newark to Sydney?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,930 miles (15,981 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Sydney flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 10,000 miles. Midpoint scenery is limited to open ocean, occasional cloud formations, and the International Date Line crossing. Notable geographic transitions include: departure over the Atlantic seaboard and Canadian Maritime provinces (if routed north), crossing the continental US (Rocky Mountains visible on northern routes), Pacific Ocean crossing with no land features for 8-10 hours, approach over the Tasman Sea, and final descent over the Blue Mountains and Sydney Basin. Most scenic value concentrates at takeoff and landing; the 12-hour Pacific crossing offers minimal window interest.