Both sides face many hours of open Atlantic with nothing to see, but the right side uniquely captures the New York skyline during departure and the Accra coastline and cityscape during arrival, giving it the edge over the left side's purely oceanic views at both ends.
Flown JFK to ACC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Accra is 5,109 miles (8,222 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses roughly 9 to 10 hours of open Atlantic Ocean with no islands or coastlines visible, passing well south of Bermuda and north of the Cape Verde islands over empty mid-ocean waters.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK on the southwest-facing runway, the aircraft climbs out over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway barrier islands before banking left to head out over the Atlantic. During this turn the right side briefly captures the Brooklyn and Manhattan skyline receding in the distance, while the left side only faces open ocean.
Landing at ACC
RIGHTAs the aircraft turns to align with Accra's runway, the right side faces the Gulf of Guinea coastline, giving views of the surf line, beaches, and Accra's dense coastal urban sprawl. The left side instead faces the flatter, less distinctive inland terrain north of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Kotoka International (ACC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Accra. Both sides face many hours of open Atlantic with nothing to see, but the right side uniquely captures the New York skyline during departure and the Accra coastline and cityscape during arrival, giving it the edge over the left side's purely oceanic views at both ends.
What can I see during takeoff from John F Kennedy International in New York?
During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing JFK on the southwest-facing runway, the aircraft climbs out over Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway barrier islands before banking left to head out over the Atlantic. During this turn the right side briefly captures the Brooklyn and Manhattan skyline receding in the distance, while the left side only faces open ocean. Notable sights include: Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Kotoka International in Accra?
When landing at Kotoka International (ACC), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft turns to align with Accra's runway, the right side faces the Gulf of Guinea coastline, giving views of the surf line, beaches, and Accra's dense coastal urban sprawl. The left side instead faces the flatter, less distinctive inland terrain north of the airport. Notable sights include: Gulf of Guinea coastline, Accra's coastal urban sprawl, sandy beaches and surf line, scattered fishing communities along the shore.
How long is the flight from New York to Accra?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Kotoka International (ACC) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,109 miles (8,222 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Accra flight path pass over?
The route crosses roughly 9 to 10 hours of open Atlantic Ocean with no islands or coastlines visible, passing well south of Bermuda and north of the Cape Verde islands over empty mid-ocean waters.