Both sides spend most of the flight over open Atlantic, capping the cruise contribution, but the left side wins overall because its takeoff sequence delivers several minutes of varied, iconic scenery (Manhattan, Long Island Sound, New England coastline) compared to the right side's brief, though excellent, final-approach view of Edinburgh.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing near the Newfoundland coast on the way out and making landfall over the north coast of Ireland or the Outer Hebrides before crossing into Scottish airspace
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDepartures to Europe off JFK's runway 31L climb out on a northwesterly heading before turning east, putting Manhattan's skyline and the East River almost directly off the left wing for the first minute or two. The turn then tracks up Long Island Sound, giving a long look at the Connecticut shoreline and eventually Cape Cod before the coast falls away.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTWith Scotland's prevailing southwesterly winds, Edinburgh typically lands on runway 24, which means the final approach swings in from the northeast directly over the city before touching down to the southwest. On the right side, passengers get the Firth of Forth and its bridges sliding past, along with Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat just before landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Edinburgh. Both sides spend most of the flight over open Atlantic, capping the cruise contribution, but the left side wins overall because its takeoff sequence delivers several minutes of varied, iconic scenery (Manhattan, Long Island Sound, New England coastline) compared to the right side's brief, though excellent, final-approach view of Edinburgh.
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. Departures to Europe off JFK's runway 31L climb out on a northwesterly heading before turning east, putting Manhattan's skyline and the East River almost directly off the left wing for the first minute or two. The turn then tracks up Long Island Sound, giving a long look at the Connecticut shoreline and eventually Cape Cod before the coast falls away. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (including One World Trade Center), Long Island Sound, Connecticut/Rhode Island coastline, Cape Cod.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. With Scotland's prevailing southwesterly winds, Edinburgh typically lands on runway 24, which means the final approach swings in from the northeast directly over the city before touching down to the southwest. On the right side, passengers get the Firth of Forth and its bridges sliding past, along with Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat just before landing. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridge and Forth Road Bridge, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat.
How long is the flight from New York to Edinburgh?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes 6h 50m.
What does the New York to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with the flight path passing near the Newfoundland coast on the way out and making landfall over the north coast of Ireland or the Outer Hebrides before crossing into Scottish airspace