The Dead Sea approach on the right is one of the most geographically dramatic landing sequences in commercial aviation — a visible 1,400-foot-below-sea-level depression is genuinely rare. The Manhattan departure on the left is spectacular but shorter-lived. Right seat wins overall for the sustained interest of the Jordan Valley descent.
Flown JFK to AMM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Amman is 5,726 miles (9,215 km), a flight of about 11 hours 30 minutes.
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Atlantic, crossing southern Ireland or the UK, then over France or Germany, the Alps visible as a white serrated ridge from altitude, across the Adriatic Sea, Greece and the Aegean islands, Turkey or Cyprus, then descending over the Levant. The Alps and the Aegean island chains are the most visually distinctive midpoint features.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK departures typically head east or northeast over Jamaica Bay before turning. A left seat gives you the Manhattan skyline receding to the northwest, plus the full sweep of New York Harbor. Right side faces the Atlantic and Long Island suburbs, which are far less dramatic.
Landing at AMM
RIGHTQueen Alia International sits south of Amman, and aircraft typically approach from the west or northwest on runway 08/26 or 18/36. A right seat on approach from the west gives you the Dead Sea depression and the Jordan Valley — one of the most geographically striking features on Earth — visible as a vast sunken rift to the north. Left side faces open desert plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Queen Alia International (AMM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Amman. The Dead Sea approach on the right is one of the most geographically dramatic landing sequences in commercial aviation — a visible 1,400-foot-below-sea-level depression is genuinely rare. The Manhattan departure on the left is spectacular but shorter-lived. Right seat wins overall for the sustained interest of the Jordan Valley descent.
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 Left side for the best views. JFK departures typically head east or northeast over Jamaica Bay before turning. A left seat gives you the Manhattan skyline receding to the northwest, plus the full sweep of New York Harbor. Right side faces the Atlantic and Long Island suburbs, which are far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline to the northwest, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands directly below, Staten Island.
What can I see when landing at Queen Alia International in Amman?
When landing at Queen Alia International (AMM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Queen Alia International sits south of Amman, and aircraft typically approach from the west or northwest on runway 08/26 or 18/36. A right seat on approach from the west gives you the Dead Sea depression and the Jordan Valley — one of the most geographically striking features on Earth — visible as a vast sunken rift to the north. Left side faces open desert plateau. Notable sights include: Dead Sea visible as a dark blue inland body to the north, Jordan Valley rift, the hills of Amman city to the northeast, Jordanian desert plateau.
How long is the flight from New York to Amman?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Queen Alia International (AMM) takes about 11 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,726 miles (9,215 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Amman flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Atlantic, crossing southern Ireland or the UK, then over France or Germany, the Alps visible as a white serrated ridge from altitude, across the Adriatic Sea, Greece and the Aegean islands, Turkey or Cyprus, then descending over the Levant. The Alps and the Aegean island chains are the most visually distinctive midpoint features.