The left side wins primarily on the strength of the Hong Kong departure, which delivers one of the most striking harbor-and-skyline views in aviation, while the long polar cruise over Siberia, the Arctic, and northern Canada offers little differentiated scenery for either side. The JFK arrival view of Manhattan on the right is scenic but more distant and weather-dependent.
Flight Path
The route's midpoint lies over the high Arctic, roughly above the East Siberian Sea and the edge of the polar ice pack near the New Siberian Islands, where cruise-level views show frozen ocean and scattered sea ice rather than distinct landmarks.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
LEFTDeparting HKG, the initial climb and turn toward the mainland typically swings the aircraft over Victoria Harbour, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon skylines set against Lantau's green peaks. It's one of the most recognizable urban-harbor views in commercial aviation.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn final approach into JFK from the north, the turn to align with the runway typically puts the Manhattan skyline off to the northwest, giving right-side passengers a distant but clear view across Long Island Sound before the aircraft lines up over Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic shoreline for landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to New York. The left side wins primarily on the strength of the Hong Kong departure, which delivers one of the most striking harbor-and-skyline views in aviation, while the long polar cruise over Siberia, the Arctic, and northern Canada offers little differentiated scenery for either side. The JFK arrival view of Manhattan on the right is scenic but more distant and weather-dependent.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing HKG, the initial climb and turn toward the mainland typically swings the aircraft over Victoria Harbour, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon skylines set against Lantau's green peaks. It's one of the most recognizable urban-harbor views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon peninsula, Lantau Island mountains.
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. On final approach into JFK from the north, the turn to align with the runway typically puts the Manhattan skyline off to the northwest, giving right-side passengers a distant but clear view across Long Island Sound before the aircraft lines up over Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic shoreline for landing. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula/Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to New York?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 15h 55m.
What does the Hong Kong to New York flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint lies over the high Arctic, roughly above the East Siberian Sea and the edge of the polar ice pack near the New Siberian Islands, where cruise-level views show frozen ocean and scattered sea ice rather than distinct landmarks.