The right side captures both signature bookends of this flight: the Manhattan skyline during the turn out of JFK and the dramatic wall of the Rocky Mountains during the approach into Denver, while the left side mostly shows open ocean on departure and flat plains on arrival.
Flown JFK to DEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Denver is 1,622 miles (2,610 km), a flight of about 4 hours 20 minutes.
Appalachian ridges over central Pennsylvania, the Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of the Midwest and Great Plains before the terrain rises toward the Colorado Front Range
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTWestbound departures from JFK typically use runway 13, climbing southeast over Jamaica Bay before banking right toward the west. That turn sweeps the Manhattan skyline and the East River into view on the right side before the city falls away behind the climb.
Landing at DEN
RIGHTDenver's prevailing southerly winds mean most arrivals land to the south on the 17-series runways, putting the Front Range of the Rockies squarely on the right side of the aircraft during the descent and final turn. The abrupt rise of the mountains against the flat plains is the most dramatic terrain feature on this route.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Denver International (DEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Denver. The right side captures both signature bookends of this flight: the Manhattan skyline during the turn out of JFK and the dramatic wall of the Rocky Mountains during the approach into Denver, while the left side mostly shows open ocean on departure and flat plains on arrival.
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 Right side for the best views. Westbound departures from JFK typically use runway 13, climbing southeast over Jamaica Bay before banking right toward the west. That turn sweeps the Manhattan skyline and the East River into view on the right side before the city falls away behind the climb. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Peninsula, East River, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Denver International in Denver?
When landing at Denver International (DEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Denver's prevailing southerly winds mean most arrivals land to the south on the 17-series runways, putting the Front Range of the Rockies squarely on the right side of the aircraft during the descent and final turn. The abrupt rise of the mountains against the flat plains is the most dramatic terrain feature on this route. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, foothills west of Denver, Denver metro skyline, high plains grasslands.
How long is the flight from New York to Denver?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Denver International (DEN) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,622 miles (2,610 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Denver flight path pass over?
Appalachian ridges over central Pennsylvania, the Ohio River valley, and the flat farmland of the Midwest and Great Plains before the terrain rises toward the Colorado Front Range