The right side wins both ends of the flight: a rare close-up of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline on departure, and a clear shot of Manhattan on arrival into JFK. The left side spends most of the flight over open ocean and flatter Balkan terrain with no comparable highlights.
Flight Path
Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria and Romania's plains), the North Atlantic crossing passing near southern Greenland and Iceland's latitude, and the rugged coastline of Newfoundland/Labrador before the descent into the northeastern United States.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDepartures from IST heading west typically climb out over the Sea of Marmara before banking back toward the city, putting the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula, and the Golden Horn on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most dramatic city departures in the world, with water, bridges, and dense urban skyline all visible in the same frame.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTJFK arrivals from the northeast commonly land on the 22L/22R runways, meaning the final approach heading points southwest and the right side of the cabin faces northwest across Jamaica Bay toward Manhattan. Passengers get a clear, low-altitude view of the New York skyline before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to New York. The right side wins both ends of the flight: a rare close-up of the Bosphorus and Istanbul's skyline on departure, and a clear shot of Manhattan on arrival into JFK. The left side spends most of the flight over open ocean and flatter Balkan terrain with no comparable highlights.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departures from IST heading west typically climb out over the Sea of Marmara before banking back toward the city, putting the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula, and the Golden Horn on the right side of the aircraft. This is one of the most dramatic city departures in the world, with water, bridges, and dense urban skyline all visible in the same frame. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Golden Horn, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Hagia Sophia/Topkapi skyline), Sea of Marmara with the Prince Islands.
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. JFK arrivals from the northeast commonly land on the 22L/22R runways, meaning the final approach heading points southwest and the right side of the cabin faces northwest across Jamaica Bay toward Manhattan. Passengers get a clear, low-altitude view of the New York skyline before touchdown. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Long Island Sound shoreline.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to New York?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 10h 45m.
What does the Istanbul to New York flight path pass over?
Balkan Peninsula (Bulgaria and Romania's plains), the North Atlantic crossing passing near southern Greenland and Iceland's latitude, and the rugged coastline of Newfoundland/Labrador before the descent into the northeastern United States.