The left side wins mainly on the strength of the JFK departure, which offers a genuine skyline and coastline view, while the BLR arrival is comparatively flat and unremarkable on both sides. Over the long transpolar-to-Eurasian cruise, neither side has consistent standout terrain, so the takeoff sequence decides it.
Flown JFK to BLR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Bangalore is 8,293 miles (13,347 km), a flight of about 15 hours 45 minutes.
Route passes near southern Greenland's ice sheet, over Scandinavia or the British Isles, across Eastern Europe and the Caspian Sea region, then over Iran's Zagros Mountains before crossing the Arabian Sea into southern India.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDeparting JFK on runway 31L, the climb-out curves north over Jamaica Bay before turning toward New England, putting Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the Long Island Sound coastline on the left side. The right side mostly shows open Atlantic and the flat Rockaway barrier islands.
Landing at BLR
RIGHTOn approach to BLR from the northeast, runway 27 arrivals typically bank over the city's eastern lakes and tech corridor before lining up west, giving right-side passengers glimpses of Bangalore's urban sprawl and reservoirs. Left side mostly shows the flat, uniform Deccan plateau farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Bangalore. The left side wins mainly on the strength of the JFK departure, which offers a genuine skyline and coastline view, while the BLR arrival is comparatively flat and unremarkable on both sides. Over the long transpolar-to-Eurasian cruise, neither side has consistent standout terrain, so the takeoff sequence decides it.
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. Departing JFK on runway 31L, the climb-out curves north over Jamaica Bay before turning toward New England, putting Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the Long Island Sound coastline on the left side. The right side mostly shows open Atlantic and the flat Rockaway barrier islands. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Connecticut shoreline, Jamaica Bay wetlands.
What can I see when landing at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in Bangalore?
When landing at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to BLR from the northeast, runway 27 arrivals typically bank over the city's eastern lakes and tech corridor before lining up west, giving right-side passengers glimpses of Bangalore's urban sprawl and reservoirs. Left side mostly shows the flat, uniform Deccan plateau farmland. Notable sights include: Bangalore city sprawl, Hebbal Lake, Deccan plateau farmland patchwork.
How long is the flight from New York to Bangalore?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) takes about 15 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,293 miles (13,347 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Bangalore flight path pass over?
Route passes near southern Greenland's ice sheet, over Scandinavia or the British Isles, across Eastern Europe and the Caspian Sea region, then over Iran's Zagros Mountains before crossing the Arabian Sea into southern India.