The left side wins mainly on the strength of the Manhattan skyline during departure, a genuinely dramatic view that outweighs the flatter scenery on the right; both sides face many hours of featureless North Atlantic during cruise, and the Frankfurt approach, while decent, is less visually striking than the New York takeoff.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean along the great-circle track passing south of Newfoundland and, depending on routing, near the southern tip of Greenland or Icelandic airspace before approaching Ireland's south coast and the Celtic Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDepartures off JFK's runway 31L climb out to the northwest before banking right onto the transatlantic track, putting the Manhattan skyline and the mouth of the Hudson squarely on the left side of the aircraft during the turn. The right side mostly shows Long Island's flat suburban sprawl and Jamaica Bay marshland.
Landing at FRA
RIGHTOn the typical westerly approach into Frankfurt, aircraft descend from the east and the Taunus hills plus the city's compact skyscraper cluster (the 'Bankenviertel') sit to the north of the flight path, visible on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat Hessian farmland with little visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Frankfurt Main (FRA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Frankfurt. The left side wins mainly on the strength of the Manhattan skyline during departure, a genuinely dramatic view that outweighs the flatter scenery on the right; both sides face many hours of featureless North Atlantic during cruise, and the Frankfurt approach, while decent, is less visually striking than the New York takeoff.
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 off JFK's runway 31L climb out to the northwest before banking right onto the transatlantic track, putting the Manhattan skyline and the mouth of the Hudson squarely on the left side of the aircraft during the turn. The right side mostly shows Long Island's flat suburban sprawl and Jamaica Bay marshland. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center), Hudson River mouth, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Rockaway Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Frankfurt Main in Frankfurt?
When landing at Frankfurt Main (FRA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical westerly approach into Frankfurt, aircraft descend from the east and the Taunus hills plus the city's compact skyscraper cluster (the 'Bankenviertel') sit to the north of the flight path, visible on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat Hessian farmland with little visual interest. Notable sights include: Taunus hills, Frankfurt skyline (Commerzbank Tower, Main Tower), Main River, patchwork farmland of the Rhine-Main plain.
How long is the flight from New York to Frankfurt?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Frankfurt Main (FRA) takes 7h 55m.
What does the New York to Frankfurt flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean along the great-circle track passing south of Newfoundland and, depending on routing, near the southern tip of Greenland or Icelandic airspace before approaching Ireland's south coast and the Celtic Sea