Both sides offer a strong single highlight, but the right side pairs a genuinely dense, landmark-rich London approach (Thames, Canary Wharf, Windsor Castle) with the same open-ocean cruise as the left, edging out the left side's single Manhattan glimpse.
Flown JFK to LHR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to London is 3,442 miles (5,540 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean over the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDepartures off JFK's northwest-facing runway climb out with Manhattan sitting almost dead ahead-left before the turn onto the oceanic track, giving left-side passengers a clear skyline view. The right side only shows Jamaica Bay and the open Atlantic beyond the Rockaways.
Landing at LHR
RIGHTWesterly arrivals into Heathrow typically loop in from the east and track just south of central London before turning onto final approach, putting the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the City skyline off the right side. Windsor Castle also sits just north of the extended runway centerline, visible to the right in the final minutes before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to London. Both sides offer a strong single highlight, but the right side pairs a genuinely dense, landmark-rich London approach (Thames, Canary Wharf, Windsor Castle) with the same open-ocean cruise as the left, edging out the left side's single Manhattan glimpse.
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. Departures off JFK's northwest-facing runway climb out with Manhattan sitting almost dead ahead-left before the turn onto the oceanic track, giving left-side passengers a clear skyline view. The right side only shows Jamaica Bay and the open Atlantic beyond the Rockaways. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, One World Trade Center), Long Island Sound, JFK's Jamaica Bay wetlands.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Westerly arrivals into Heathrow typically loop in from the east and track just south of central London before turning onto final approach, putting the Thames, Canary Wharf, and the City skyline off the right side. Windsor Castle also sits just north of the extended runway centerline, visible to the right in the final minutes before touchdown. Notable sights include: River Thames and Canary Wharf towers, central London skyline (The Shard, London Eye), Windsor Castle, Richmond Park greenery.
How long is the flight from New York to London?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Heathrow (LHR) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,442 miles (5,540 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to London flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean over the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland, with no land visible for several hours