About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Brussels Natl (BRU)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Brussels. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Manhattan and New York Harbor departure views, which are among the most iconic urban aerial scenes in the world. The landing views on the right are good but Brussels from the air is less dramatic than New York. Over the Atlantic and southern England the views are comparable on both sides, but the takeoff experience tips the balance decisively to the left.
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 primarily departs eastward over Jamaica Bay on runways 31L/31R or northward on 22L/22R. A left-side seat gives you Manhattan's skyline to the northwest as you climb out, with the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and Upper New York Bay clearly visible. The city grid and Hudson River are unmistakable from the left side during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Upper New York Bay, Jamaica Bay wetlands.
What can I see when landing at Brussels Natl in Brussels?
When landing at Brussels Natl (BRU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Brussels Airport typically receives arrivals from the west on runway 25R/25L, meaning the aircraft approaches from over Flanders. A right-side seat gives views over the city of Brussels itself, the Grand Place district, and the Atomium structure as you descend. The flat Belgian countryside and the dense urban core of Brussels are clearly visible on the right during final approach. Notable sights include: Brussels city center, Atomium structure, Laeken district, Flemish agricultural patchwork.
How long is the flight from New York to Brussels?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Brussels Natl (BRU) takes Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours.
What does the New York to Brussels flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over Long Island, then across the North Atlantic on a great circle route passing south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Mid-Atlantic you may see icebergs or pack ice near Greenland's southern tip depending on routing. The flight crosses southern Ireland and Wales before descending over the English Channel and into Belgium. The Irish coastline, the Bristol Channel, and the Thames Estuary are notable features during the European approach phase.