The right side wins both bookends of this ultra-long flight: the New York skyline during the turn out of JFK and the volcanic-island, harbour-city approach into Auckland. The middle 15+ hours cross Mexico briefly then vast, mostly nighttime open Pacific, which caps the overall score but doesn't change the side preference.
Flown JFK to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Auckland is 8,833 miles (14,215 km), a flight of about 17 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Gulf Coast of Texas and mainland Mexico before heading out over the open Pacific, passing south of Hawaii near French Polynesia (Marquesas/Tuamotu latitude) and later the Cook Islands and Kermadec Islands region — thousands of miles of open ocean with no substantial land in view for most of the middle portion of the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTWestbound JFK departures for south/west-bound routes typically use runway 13, climbing out over Jamaica Bay before banking right toward the continental US. That turn swings Manhattan, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty into view on the right side of the aircraft.
Landing at AKL
RIGHTAuckland's single runway typically lands to the southwest, so arriving aircraft descend from the northeast over the Hauraki Gulf. On the right side, passengers get a clear view of the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, the Waitemata Harbour, and the Auckland CBD skyline before the final turn onto the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Auckland. The right side wins both bookends of this ultra-long flight: the New York skyline during the turn out of JFK and the volcanic-island, harbour-city approach into Auckland. The middle 15+ hours cross Mexico briefly then vast, mostly nighttime open Pacific, which caps the overall score but doesn't change the side preference.
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. Westbound JFK departures for south/west-bound routes typically use runway 13, climbing out over Jamaica Bay before banking right toward the continental US. That turn swings Manhattan, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty into view on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay and the Rockaway Peninsula, Statue of Liberty.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Auckland's single runway typically lands to the southwest, so arriving aircraft descend from the northeast over the Hauraki Gulf. On the right side, passengers get a clear view of the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, the Waitemata Harbour, and the Auckland CBD skyline before the final turn onto the runway. Notable sights include: Rangitoto Island volcanic cone, Waitemata Harbour, Auckland CBD and Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge.
How long is the flight from New York to Auckland?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 17 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,833 miles (14,215 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Auckland flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Gulf Coast of Texas and mainland Mexico before heading out over the open Pacific, passing south of Hawaii near French Polynesia (Marquesas/Tuamotu latitude) and later the Cook Islands and Kermadec Islands region — thousands of miles of open ocean with no substantial land in view for most of the middle portion of the flight.