While the takeoff offers regional South African geography, the landing into Newark provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Hudson estuary, Manhattan skyline, and Atlantic coastline. The contrast and scale of the approach views outweigh the takeoff experience.
Flown HLA to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Johannesburg to Newark is 7,970 miles (12,826 km), a flight of about 15 hours 20 minutes.
Over the Atlantic Ocean, the flight path crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at altitude), passes over the Azores archipelago area (visible as small islands if on northern routing), and approaches North America over the continental shelf. The Great Circle route typically passes south of Greenland and Iceland. No major mountain ranges or distinctive landmarks are visible during the 10+ hours of mid-ocean flight; the Atlantic crossing is primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HLA
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs during climb-out. The escarpment edge and urban sprawl are distinctive from altitude and visible immediately after departure.
Landing at EWR
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Atlantic coastline, Hudson River estuary, and Manhattan's skyline during final approach into Newark. The contrast between the ocean, New Jersey marshlands, and urban density is striking from altitude.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lanseria (HLA) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to Newark. While the takeoff offers regional South African geography, the landing into Newark provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Hudson estuary, Manhattan skyline, and Atlantic coastline. The contrast and scale of the approach views outweigh the takeoff experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Lanseria in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from Lanseria (HLA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's northern suburbs during climb-out. The escarpment edge and urban sprawl are distinctive from altitude and visible immediately after departure. Notable sights include: Witwatersrand ridge, Johannesburg northern suburbs, Pretoria haze layer to the north, Magaliesburg Mountains (distant).
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Atlantic coastline, Hudson River estuary, and Manhattan's skyline during final approach into Newark. The contrast between the ocean, New Jersey marshlands, and urban density is striking from altitude. Notable sights include: Hudson River and estuary, Manhattan skyline, New Jersey Meadowlands, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Newark?
The flight from Lanseria (HLA) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 15 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,970 miles (12,826 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Johannesburg to Newark flight path pass over?
Over the Atlantic Ocean, the flight path crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at altitude), passes over the Azores archipelago area (visible as small islands if on northern routing), and approaches North America over the continental shelf. The Great Circle route typically passes south of Greenland and Iceland. No major mountain ranges or distinctive landmarks are visible during the 10+ hours of mid-ocean flight; the Atlantic crossing is primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations.