Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Ithaca. While the left side offers good departure views of Long Island Sound and Connecticut, the right side dominates the flight with extended views of the Finger Lakes region and Cayuga Lake during the majority of the flight and especially during descent. The Finger Lakes landscape is more visually distinctive and geographically significant for this route.

During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coastline during the northwesterly climb-out from JFK. You'll see the sound's water body and the irregular shoreline of Connecticut's coast receding beneath you. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, East River (visible near departure), Manhattan's urban grid.

When landing at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides excellent views of Cayuga Lake and the Finger Lakes region during descent into Ithaca. The long, narrow lake dominates the landscape and provides clear visual reference for the airport approach. Notable sights include: Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake (visible to the west), Finger Lakes valleys, Ithaca urban area.

The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Hudson River valley near Newburgh, then transitions over the Catskill Mountains' eastern foothills. The Delaware River valley becomes visible as you progress northwest. The landscape gradually transitions from the Hudson Valley's steep terrain to the rolling, forested hills of central New York. Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake become visible approximately 20-30 minutes before landing, with the Finger Lakes' characteristic long, narrow glacial valleys dominating the final approach corridor.