While takeoff from JFK favors the left, the landing approach into Brasilia from the right side offers more visually distinctive scenery—the geometric modernist city set against the Brazilian Plateau and cerrado landscape is more striking than the departure views. Right seats capture the more memorable segment of this long flight.
Flown JFK to BSB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Brasilia is 4,242 miles (6,827 km), a flight of about 9 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 4-5 hours with no significant landmarks visible (open ocean). Upon approaching South America, you'll cross the Amazon Basin (visible as dense green forest canopy), then the transition zone where the Amazon gives way to the Brazilian Plateau's cerrado grassland and scattered vegetation. The approach to Brasilia descends over the central Brazilian highlands with increasingly visible human settlement patterns.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coastline during the northeasterly departure from JFK. You'll see the sound's water body and the irregular shoreline with inlets and peninsulas that define the New York-Connecticut border.
Landing at BSB
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Brazilian Plateau and the approach into Brasilia from the east. You'll see the distinctive high-altitude terrain and the geometric urban layout of Brasilia itself as you descend toward the airport on the city's eastern edge.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Brasilia. While takeoff from JFK favors the left, the landing approach into Brasilia from the right side offers more visually distinctive scenery—the geometric modernist city set against the Brazilian Plateau and cerrado landscape is more striking than the departure views. Right seats capture the more memorable segment of this long 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. Left seats offer views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coastline during the northeasterly departure from JFK. You'll see the sound's water body and the irregular shoreline with inlets and peninsulas that define the New York-Connecticut border. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, Jamaica Bay (to the south), Manhattan skyline receding behind.
What can I see when landing at Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek in Brasilia?
When landing at Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Brazilian Plateau and the approach into Brasilia from the east. You'll see the distinctive high-altitude terrain and the geometric urban layout of Brasilia itself as you descend toward the airport on the city's eastern edge. Notable sights include: Brazilian Plateau escarpment, Brasilia's modernist urban grid, Paranoá Lake, cerrado grassland.
How long is the flight from New York to Brasilia?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB) takes about 9 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,242 miles (6,827 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Brasilia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 4-5 hours with no significant landmarks visible (open ocean). Upon approaching South America, you'll cross the Amazon Basin (visible as dense green forest canopy), then the transition zone where the Amazon gives way to the Brazilian Plateau's cerrado grassland and scattered vegetation. The approach to Brasilia descends over the central Brazilian highlands with increasingly visible human settlement patterns.