The left side wins overall because the JFK departure view of Manhattan, the harbor, and Jamaica Bay is one of the most iconic urban aerial views in the world and worth prioritizing. The Keflavik landing view is compelling on the right, but the departure spectacle is harder to replicate on any other route.
Flight Path
The route tracks northeast over southern New England and Nova Scotia, then crosses the open North Atlantic. Around the midpoint you pass south of Greenland's ice sheet, which may be faintly visible on clear days as a white mass on the northern horizon. The route then crosses the Denmark Strait before reaching Iceland. The ocean below is largely featureless, though icebergs can occasionally be spotted near the Greenland coast at lower latitudes.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK typically departs eastward on runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R depending on wind. On an eastbound departure climbing out over Jamaica Bay, the left side gives you Lower Manhattan's skyline to the northwest, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the full sweep of New York Harbor. The right side faces south toward the Atlantic with little to see.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTKeflavik typically lands on runway 28 (westward approach from the east) or runway 10 (eastward). On the most common approach from the east over the Reykjanes Peninsula, the right side faces south toward the rugged lava fields of Reykjanes and the Atlantic coastline, while the left side looks north toward Faxaflói Bay and Reykjavik. The right side gives a better view of the dramatic volcanic coastline and the Blue Lagoon geothermal area directly below on final approach.
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 Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Keflavik. The left side wins overall because the JFK departure view of Manhattan, the harbor, and Jamaica Bay is one of the most iconic urban aerial views in the world and worth prioritizing. The Keflavik landing view is compelling on the right, but the departure spectacle is harder to replicate on any other route.
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 eastward on runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R depending on wind. On an eastbound departure climbing out over Jamaica Bay, the left side gives you Lower Manhattan's skyline to the northwest, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the full sweep of New York Harbor. The right side faces south toward the Atlantic with little to see. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay wetlands directly below.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavik typically lands on runway 28 (westward approach from the east) or runway 10 (eastward). On the most common approach from the east over the Reykjanes Peninsula, the right side faces south toward the rugged lava fields of Reykjanes and the Atlantic coastline, while the left side looks north toward Faxaflói Bay and Reykjavik. The right side gives a better view of the dramatic volcanic coastline and the Blue Lagoon geothermal area directly below on final approach. Notable sights include: Reykjanes lava fields, Blue Lagoon geothermal pools (pale turquoise against black lava), Atlantic coastline of Reykjanes Peninsula, Faxaflói Bay in the distance.
How long is the flight from New York to Keflavik?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes Approximately 6 to 7 hours.
What does the New York to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast over southern New England and Nova Scotia, then crosses the open North Atlantic. Around the midpoint you pass south of Greenland's ice sheet, which may be faintly visible on clear days as a white mass on the northern horizon. The route then crosses the Denmark Strait before reaching Iceland. The ocean below is largely featureless, though icebergs can occasionally be spotted near the Greenland coast at lower latitudes.