The left side wins across all three phases: Manhattan on departure, a diagonal cruise track that keeps Ireland, the Alps, and the Adriatic/Ionian corridor to the north side of the aircraft, and a southern approach into Athens that puts the city and Saronic Gulf islands in view. The right side spends most of the flight over open Atlantic and Mediterranean water with little terrain variation.
Flown JFK to ATH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Athens is 4,929 miles (7,932 km), a flight of about 9 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean south of Ireland, where the great-circle route bulges north to roughly 51°N before descending toward continental Europe and the Adriatic/Ionian Sea corridor into Greece
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDepartures from JFK typically climb out over Jamaica Bay and bank north toward New England, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before the coastline falls away. The right side only sees the flat Rockaway Peninsula and open Atlantic.
Landing at ATH
LEFTWith the prevailing meltemi winds, Athens landings typically use runway 03, approaching from the south over the Saronic Gulf and swinging the city onto the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a good look at Piraeus harbor, the Athens urban sprawl, and Aegina island before touchdown, while the right side faces open Aegean water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Athens. The left side wins across all three phases: Manhattan on departure, a diagonal cruise track that keeps Ireland, the Alps, and the Adriatic/Ionian corridor to the north side of the aircraft, and a southern approach into Athens that puts the city and Saronic Gulf islands in view. The right side spends most of the flight over open Atlantic and Mediterranean water with little terrain variation.
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. Departures from JFK typically climb out over Jamaica Bay and bank north toward New England, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge before the coastline falls away. The right side only sees the flat Rockaway Peninsula and open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos in Athens?
When landing at Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), sit on the Left side for the best views. With the prevailing meltemi winds, Athens landings typically use runway 03, approaching from the south over the Saronic Gulf and swinging the city onto the left side of the aircraft. Passengers get a good look at Piraeus harbor, the Athens urban sprawl, and Aegina island before touchdown, while the right side faces open Aegean water. Notable sights include: Piraeus port, Saronic Gulf with Aegina island, Athens urban sprawl, Mount Parnitha in the distance.
How long is the flight from New York to Athens?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) takes about 9 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,929 miles (7,932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Athens flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean south of Ireland, where the great-circle route bulges north to roughly 51°N before descending toward continental Europe and the Adriatic/Ionian Sea corridor into Greece