Washington to New York flight path: IAD to JFK

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to New York. The right side wins on both ends of this short flight — a glimpse of the Potomac and Baltimore during departure, and a strong finish with Manhattan's skyline and Jamaica Bay on arrival into JFK, while the left side offers mostly flat, unremarkable terrain throughout.

During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAD to the northeast, the right side gives passengers a fleeting view of the Potomac River and the northern Virginia/Maryland suburbs, with the Baltimore skyline sometimes visible in the distance as the aircraft climbs. The left side mostly shows featureless rural Virginia farmland. Notable sights include: Potomac River, Northern Virginia suburbs, distant Baltimore skyline.

When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into JFK from the south, the right side typically offers a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, and the Rockaway Peninsula as the aircraft banks toward runway 22L/22R. The left side mostly faces open Long Island Sound or featureless Queens rooftops. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic coastline.

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 1h 05m.

Delaware River estuary and the flat coastal plain of southern New Jersey, with occasional views of Philadelphia's outer suburbs during cruise.