While the left side offers excellent New York departure views, the right side provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the critical landing phase. The approach into São Paulo over the city and mountains is more visually rewarding than the departure, and right-side seats capture this better.
Flown JFK to CGH? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Sao Paulo is 4,770 miles (7,677 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 4,000 nautical miles with no significant landmarks visible during the mid-ocean portion. As the aircraft approaches South America, it will pass over the Brazilian coast near the state of Bahia, then inland over the interior plateau regions. The descent into São Paulo occurs over the interior highlands and the Atlantic Forest region, with the Serra da Mantiqueira range becoming prominent in the final 100 miles of approach.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and Long Island Sound as the aircraft climbs southeastward out of JFK. You'll see the Manhattan skyline receding and the complex geometry of Jamaica Bay and the barrier islands that define New York's coastal geography.
Landing at CGH
RIGHTRight side provides the best approach views into Congonhas. As the aircraft descends from the west, the right side faces the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains and the Pinheiros River valley that defines São Paulo's geography. You'll see the urban sprawl of São Paulo's western districts and the approach path over the city itself.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Congonhas (CGH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Sao Paulo. While the left side offers excellent New York departure views, the right side provides superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the critical landing phase. The approach into São Paulo over the city and mountains is more visually rewarding than the departure, and right-side seats capture this better.
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 and Long Island Sound as the aircraft climbs southeastward out of JFK. You'll see the Manhattan skyline receding and the complex geometry of Jamaica Bay and the barrier islands that define New York's coastal geography. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Long Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at Congonhas in Sao Paulo?
When landing at Congonhas (CGH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides the best approach views into Congonhas. As the aircraft descends from the west, the right side faces the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains and the Pinheiros River valley that defines São Paulo's geography. You'll see the urban sprawl of São Paulo's western districts and the approach path over the city itself. Notable sights include: Serra da Mantiqueira mountains, Pinheiros River valley, São Paulo urban sprawl, Congonhas Airport approach corridor.
How long is the flight from New York to Sao Paulo?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Congonhas (CGH) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 4,770 miles (7,677 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Sao Paulo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 4,000 nautical miles with no significant landmarks visible during the mid-ocean portion. As the aircraft approaches South America, it will pass over the Brazilian coast near the state of Bahia, then inland over the interior plateau regions. The descent into São Paulo occurs over the interior highlands and the Atlantic Forest region, with the Serra da Mantiqueira range becoming prominent in the final 100 miles of approach.