The right side wins because it captures the Manhattan skyline on departure and the Aruban coastline on arrival, while the long mid-flight stretch over open Atlantic and Caribbean water is scenically similar on both sides.
Flown JFK to AUA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Oranjestad is 1,958 miles (3,150 km), a flight of about 4 hours 30 minutes.
Bahamian island chain and shallow turquoise banks, open Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, distant Puerto Rico and Hispaniola coastlines glimpsed on clear days
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK southbound, the right side offers a brief but clear view back toward the Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows before the aircraft climbs out over the Atlantic. The left side only sees open Long Island coastline fading into ocean haze.
Landing at AUA
RIGHTOn approach to AUA's runway 11, the aircraft typically comes in from the west, giving right-side passengers a view of Aruba's rugged northern coastline and the turquoise shallows near Oranjestad before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open Caribbean Sea with no coastal detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Reina Beatrix International (AUA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Oranjestad. The right side wins because it captures the Manhattan skyline on departure and the Aruban coastline on arrival, while the long mid-flight stretch over open Atlantic and Caribbean water is scenically similar on both sides.
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 southbound, the right side offers a brief but clear view back toward the Manhattan skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows before the aircraft climbs out over the Atlantic. The left side only sees open Long Island coastline fading into ocean haze. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Reina Beatrix International in Oranjestad?
When landing at Reina Beatrix International (AUA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to AUA's runway 11, the aircraft typically comes in from the west, giving right-side passengers a view of Aruba's rugged northern coastline and the turquoise shallows near Oranjestad before touchdown. The left side mostly faces open Caribbean Sea with no coastal detail. Notable sights include: Oranjestad waterfront, Aruba's northern rocky coastline, turquoise reef shallows, California Lighthouse area.
How long is the flight from New York to Oranjestad?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Reina Beatrix International (AUA) takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,958 miles (3,150 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Oranjestad flight path pass over?
Bahamian island chain and shallow turquoise banks, open Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, distant Puerto Rico and Hispaniola coastlines glimpsed on clear days