While takeoff from JFK favors left seats, the landing approach into Brisbane is significantly more visually rewarding on the right, with Moreton Bay's islands and the Brisbane River's dramatic meanders providing more distinctive scenery than the departure.
Flown JFK to BNE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Brisbane is 9,636 miles (15,508 km), a flight of about 15 hours 30 minutes.
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 8,000 miles. The flight path typically departs JFK heading southeast, crosses the Atlantic briefly, then turns south over the open ocean. Midpoint features include the vast Atlantic and Pacific waters with occasional cloud formations. The route passes south of Hawaii (not visible on typical cruise altitude paths). As the aircraft approaches Australia, it crosses the Coral Sea before reaching the Queensland coast. The most notable geographic feature along the actual flight path is the transition from the Atlantic basin to the Pacific basin, though at cruise altitude (typically 35,000-43,000 feet) the open ocean offers minimal distinctive landmarks. The approach to Brisbane provides the most dramatic scenery of the entire flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Manhattan, the East River, and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out over water. Right seats face inland toward Queens and Long Island with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at BNE
RIGHTRight seats provide views of Moreton Bay's islands, the Brisbane River winding through the city, and the coastal approach. Left seats face inland toward the western suburbs with less distinctive scenery.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Brisbane International (BNE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Brisbane. While takeoff from JFK favors left seats, the landing approach into Brisbane is significantly more visually rewarding on the right, with Moreton Bay's islands and the Brisbane River's dramatic meanders providing more distinctive scenery than the departure.
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 seats offer views of Manhattan, the East River, and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out over water. Right seats face inland toward Queens and Long Island with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Jamaica Bay, Atlantic Ocean horizon.
What can I see when landing at Brisbane International in Brisbane?
When landing at Brisbane International (BNE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of Moreton Bay's islands, the Brisbane River winding through the city, and the coastal approach. Left seats face inland toward the western suburbs with less distinctive scenery. Notable sights include: Moreton Bay islands, Brisbane River, Stradbroke Island, Brisbane CBD.
How long is the flight from New York to Brisbane?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Brisbane International (BNE) takes about 15 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,636 miles (15,508 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Brisbane flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route crosses the Pacific Ocean for roughly 8,000 miles. The flight path typically departs JFK heading southeast, crosses the Atlantic briefly, then turns south over the open ocean. Midpoint features include the vast Atlantic and Pacific waters with occasional cloud formations. The route passes south of Hawaii (not visible on typical cruise altitude paths). As the aircraft approaches Australia, it crosses the Coral Sea before reaching the Queensland coast. The most notable geographic feature along the actual flight path is the transition from the Atlantic basin to the Pacific basin, though at cruise altitude (typically 35,000-43,000 feet) the open ocean offers minimal distinctive landmarks. The approach to Brisbane provides the most dramatic scenery of the entire flight.