The left side delivers the iconic Manhattan departure view, which is one of the most spectacular urban aerial scenes in the world. Over the Atlantic and across Africa the views are broadly similar on both sides, but the JFK departure on the left is the defining visual moment of this flight.
Flight Path
The route tracks southeast over the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the equator roughly over the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa. The flight then passes over the Congo Basin rainforest, one of the largest continuous forest canopies on Earth, before crossing into the drier savanna and bushveld of southern Africa over Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Kalahari Basin and the transition to the Highveld plateau mark the final descent into Johannesburg. Cloud cover over the Congo Basin is frequently heavy and persistent, limiting ground views in that segment.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK typically departs on runway 31L/31R heading northwest, which puts Manhattan directly on the left side. You get a clear view of the entire lower Manhattan skyline, the East River crossings, and Brooklyn below before the aircraft turns south over the Atlantic.
Landing at JNB
RIGHTOR Tambo International typically uses runways 03L/03R for arrivals from the north, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south heading northeast. The right side faces east and southeast, giving views over the Highveld plateau, the Johannesburg city skyline including the distinctive Hillbrow Tower, and the sprawling East Rand townships and mine dumps.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Johannesburg. The left side delivers the iconic Manhattan departure view, which is one of the most spectacular urban aerial scenes in the world. Over the Atlantic and across Africa the views are broadly similar on both sides, but the JFK departure on the left is the defining visual moment of this flight.
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. JFK typically departs on runway 31L/31R heading northwest, which puts Manhattan directly on the left side. You get a clear view of the entire lower Manhattan skyline, the East River crossings, and Brooklyn below before the aircraft turns south over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn waterfront.
What can I see when landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
When landing at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Right side for the best views. OR Tambo International typically uses runways 03L/03R for arrivals from the north, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south heading northeast. The right side faces east and southeast, giving views over the Highveld plateau, the Johannesburg city skyline including the distinctive Hillbrow Tower, and the sprawling East Rand townships and mine dumps. Notable sights include: Johannesburg CBD skyline with Hillbrow Tower, Soweto cooling towers, gold mine dumps (yellow-white spoil heaps), East Rand urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from New York to Johannesburg?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) takes Approximately 15 to 16 hours nonstop.
What does the New York to Johannesburg flight path pass over?
The route tracks southeast over the Atlantic Ocean, crossing the equator roughly over the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa. The flight then passes over the Congo Basin rainforest, one of the largest continuous forest canopies on Earth, before crossing into the drier savanna and bushveld of southern Africa over Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Kalahari Basin and the transition to the Highveld plateau mark the final descent into Johannesburg. Cloud cover over the Congo Basin is frequently heavy and persistent, limiting ground views in that segment.