Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to New York. The left side wins both ends of this short flight. During the brief cruise at altitude over New Jersey, the left side also keeps you oriented toward the Philadelphia metro area and Delaware River valley in the middle portion of the route, while the right faces the New Jersey Pine Barrens — far less interesting.

During takeoff from Washington Dulles International (IAD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Dulles typically departs east on runways 01R/01L or 19L/19R. On an eastbound departure toward JFK, the left side gives you a view over the northern Virginia suburbs and eventually the Potomac River corridor. The right side faces south toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Potomac River corridor, northern Virginia suburban sprawl, Tysons Corner urban cluster, distant Capitol dome on clear days.

When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK primarily uses runways 31L/31R for arrivals from the southwest, meaning the approach track comes in over Jamaica Bay from the west. The left side on final approach gives a direct view of Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway Peninsula, and the Manhattan skyline off to the northwest. The right side faces south toward the open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Manhattan skyline to the northwest, Brooklyn waterfront.

The flight from Washington Dulles International (IAD) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.

The flight tracks northeast over northern Virginia, crosses the Potomac, passes over suburban Maryland, then transits central New Jersey at cruise altitude. The Delaware River is briefly visible as a boundary between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The New Jersey Turnpike corridor with its industrial complexes near Newark is visible on descent. No significant mountain ranges — the terrain is flat to gently rolling throughout.