About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to New York. This is an extremely short flight — barely 10 minutes in the air — and the left side captures the most dramatic geography: Jamaica Bay on departure and a continuous view of the Brooklyn and Queens urban fabric throughout. The right side on landing into LGA is compelling, but since the flight is so brief and the departure view of Jamaica Bay and the Manhattan skyline from the left is the single best moment, left wins overall.
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 31L/31R or 22L/22R. On a northbound departure toward LGA, the left side faces west and northwest, giving you a direct view over Jamaica Bay, the Belt Parkway corridor, and the Manhattan skyline emerging in the distance. The right side looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the Rockaways, which is far less interesting. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay wetlands directly below, Manhattan skyline to the northwest, Brooklyn waterfront and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the west.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LGA's primary arrival runways for traffic from the south are 13 or 22, with approaches over Flushing Bay and the East River. On a southerly approach to runway 13, the right side faces west and southwest, putting Manhattan's skyline and the East River directly in view during the final descent. The left side looks toward Queens residential neighborhoods and Long Island Sound. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park to the southwest, East River and its bridges, Flushing Bay directly below on final approach.
How long is the flight from New York to New York?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 8-12 minutes gate to gate, with only 5-7 minutes actually airborne.
What does the New York to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses directly over the Queens borough at low altitude — roughly 3,000 to 5,000 feet maximum — passing over the residential neighborhoods of Howard Beach, Ozone Park, and Woodhaven. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and its distinctive Unisphere structure may be briefly visible. The entire flight stays below 6,000 feet, making this more of a low-altitude urban transit than a conventional flight.