About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Paris. The left side wins overall due to the spectacular Manhattan departure view, which is one of the best urban takeoff panoramas in aviation. The landing advantage on the right is real but more modest — Paris on approach is impressive but the Eiffel Tower appears relatively small at 3,500 feet. The JFK departure on the left is the highlight of this 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's primary departure runways 31L/31R send aircraft on a northwest heading over Jamaica Bay and then directly over Manhattan. The left side gives you the full sweep of Lower Manhattan, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty as you climb out. Right side faces south over the Atlantic with little to see. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State, One World Trade), Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, Hudson River, Jamaica Bay wetlands directly below on climb-out.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Le Bourget's primary runway 27 (westward landings) or 09 (eastward) means approaches typically come from the east or northeast. On a transatlantic arrival from the west-northwest, aircraft often approach from the northeast, putting the right side facing south toward central Paris. The right seat gives you the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's loops, and the dense Haussmann grid of Paris on final approach. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River loops through central Paris, Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre hill, La Défense business district towers to the west.
How long is the flight from New York to Paris?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes Approximately 7 to 7.5 hours.
What does the New York to Paris flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from New York, crossing the Canadian Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia coastline may be visible in clear conditions at cruise altitude), then the North Atlantic at 35,000 feet with occasional icebergs near Newfoundland in winter. The southern tip of Ireland (County Cork) and then Wales or southwest England appear as the first European landfall, followed by the English Channel crossing and northern France before descent into Paris.