New York to Berlin is 3,971 miles (6,390 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
While the left offers excellent coastal views during departure, the right side provides more continuous scenic interest across the Atlantic crossing (Greenland, Iceland, Norwegian coast) and superior views during the Berlin approach. The right side captures more of the flight's geographic diversity.
Flight Path
The transatlantic route passes over the North Atlantic, typically crossing the southern tip of Greenland (Davis Strait area), then over the North Atlantic toward Iceland and the Norwegian coast. The right side offers views of Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjords during the mid-flight portion, while the left side faces open ocean. As the flight approaches Europe, the right side captures the Norwegian coastline, Skagerrak strait, and the approach across Denmark and northern Germany toward Berlin.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Atlantic coastline, Long Island Sound, and the New England coast as the aircraft climbs northeast on the typical transatlantic departure corridor. Right side faces inland toward New Jersey and Pennsylvania with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at BER
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Elbe River valley, the North German Plain, and the approach into Berlin from the west. The aircraft typically descends on a westerly approach, making the right side optimal for seeing the landscape leading into Brandenburg.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Berlin. While the left offers excellent coastal views during departure, the right side provides more continuous scenic interest across the Atlantic crossing (Greenland, Iceland, Norwegian coast) and superior views during the Berlin approach. The right side captures more of the flight's geographic diversity.
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. Left side offers views of the Atlantic coastline, Long Island Sound, and the New England coast as the aircraft climbs northeast on the typical transatlantic departure corridor. Right side faces inland toward New Jersey and Pennsylvania with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, Atlantic Ocean horizon, Cape Cod (visible at higher altitude during climb).
What can I see when landing at Berlin Brandenburg in Berlin?
When landing at Berlin Brandenburg (BER), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Elbe River valley, the North German Plain, and the approach into Berlin from the west. The aircraft typically descends on a westerly approach, making the right side optimal for seeing the landscape leading into Brandenburg. Notable sights include: Elbe River and its valley, North German Plain agricultural landscape, Spree River near Berlin, Brandenburg lakes region.
How long is the flight from New York to Berlin?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) takes about 8 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,971 miles (6,390 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Berlin flight path pass over?
The transatlantic route passes over the North Atlantic, typically crossing the southern tip of Greenland (Davis Strait area), then over the North Atlantic toward Iceland and the Norwegian coast. The right side offers views of Greenland's glaciated terrain and fjords during the mid-flight portion, while the left side faces open ocean. As the flight approaches Europe, the right side captures the Norwegian coastline, Skagerrak strait, and the approach across Denmark and northern Germany toward Berlin.