Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Columbus. Left side wins at both ends of the flight — Manhattan and Jamaica Bay on departure, Columbus city center and the Scioto River on approach. The cruise portion over Pennsylvania and Ohio is relatively flat and agricultural, so the endpoint views drive the recommendation.

During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK typically departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On a westbound departure toward Columbus, climbing out over Jamaica Bay and banking northwest, the left side gives you Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and New Jersey spread out clearly. The right side faces south toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Hudson River, Newark and its airport complex.

When landing at Port Columbus International (CMH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CMH typically lands on runway 28L/28R from the east, meaning the aircraft approaches from the east heading west. The left side on approach faces south toward downtown Columbus, the Scioto River corridor, and the broader city grid. The right side looks north toward less distinctive suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Downtown Columbus skyline, Scioto River, Port Columbus airport surroundings, Ohio State University campus area.

The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Port Columbus International (CMH) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.

The flight tracks roughly west-northwest across New Jersey, then over the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania (modest ridgelines visible below), then the broad flat agricultural plains of central Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Allegheny Plateau is the most topographically interesting section in the middle of the flight, with folded ridge-and-valley terrain visible from either side around the Pennsylvania midpoint. No major water bodies cross the direct route at cruise altitude.