The left side wins overall. The Manhattan departure view is one of the most iconic urban aerial scenes in the world and is hard to beat. Mid-flight over the North Pacific there is little to see from either side, but on the descent into Akita the left side picks up the Ou Mountain Range with its volcanic peaks including Chokai-san, which partially compensates. However the JFK departure spectacle on the left is the defining moment of this flight.
Flight Path
The great circle route crosses southern Canada over Quebec and Ontario, then arcs over the southern tip of Hudson Bay, crosses the Aleutian Island chain or passes just south of it over the North Pacific, then descends toward Honshu over the Tohoku coast. The Aleutian Islands may be faintly visible as dark volcanic specks in the ocean on a clear day. Over Honshu on descent, the Ou Mountain Range spine of northern Honshu is visible, including the distinctive cone of Chokai-san near the coast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Akita (AXT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Akita. The left side wins overall. The Manhattan departure view is one of the most iconic urban aerial scenes in the world and is hard to beat. Mid-flight over the North Pacific there is little to see from either side, but on the descent into Akita the left side picks up the Ou Mountain Range with its volcanic peaks including Chokai-san, which partially compensates. However the JFK departure spectacle on the left is the defining moment of this flight.
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's primary departure runways 31L/31R send aircraft northwest over Jamaica Bay and then across Brooklyn and Manhattan. The left side gives you a direct view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Hudson River as the aircraft banks north. Right side faces toward the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island suburbs, which is far less interesting. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Hudson River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Akita in Akita?
When landing at Akita (AXT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Akita Airport sits on the coastal plain west of the city, with approaches typically from the east or southeast over the mountains. Landing to the west on runway 28, the right side faces north toward the Sea of Japan coastline and the city of Akita itself. The left side faces the Ou Mountain Range interior, which is scenic but the right gives you the dramatic contrast of the coastline meeting the flat agricultural plain. Notable sights include: Sea of Japan coastline, Akita city and port, Oga Peninsula jutting into the sea, Hachiro-gata reclaimed land plain.
How long is the flight from New York to Akita?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Akita (AXT) takes Approximately 13 to 14 hours.
What does the New York to Akita flight path pass over?
The great circle route crosses southern Canada over Quebec and Ontario, then arcs over the southern tip of Hudson Bay, crosses the Aleutian Island chain or passes just south of it over the North Pacific, then descends toward Honshu over the Tohoku coast. The Aleutian Islands may be faintly visible as dark volcanic specks in the ocean on a clear day. Over Honshu on descent, the Ou Mountain Range spine of northern Honshu is visible, including the distinctive cone of Chokai-san near the coast.