While the takeoff favors the left, the landing approach into Lagos offers more dramatic and extended scenic value from the right side. The Lagos Lagoon system and coastal geography provide superior visual interest during descent than the Atlantic crossing.
Flown JFK to LOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Lagos is 5,247 miles (8,444 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 7-8 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include the Azores archipelago (if visible during daylight hours, typically 4-5 hours into flight), the western coast of Morocco and Western Sahara (approaching African continent), and the Sahara Desert's northern edge near the coast. The Canary Current and North Atlantic trade wind patterns influence the flight corridor. As the aircraft approaches West Africa, the Mauritanian coast and the Senegal River delta become visible before the final descent toward Lagos.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft-side seats capture the departure climb over the Atlantic Ocean and the New York City metropolitan area. You'll see Manhattan's grid pattern, the East River, and the Atlantic coastline receding as the aircraft climbs.
Landing at LOS
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views during descent into Lagos. You'll see the Lagos Lagoon system, the Atlantic coastline, and the city's sprawling urban development across the coastal plains.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Lagos. While the takeoff favors the left, the landing approach into Lagos offers more dramatic and extended scenic value from the right side. The Lagos Lagoon system and coastal geography provide superior visual interest during descent than the Atlantic crossing.
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. Left-side seats capture the departure climb over the Atlantic Ocean and the New York City metropolitan area. You'll see Manhattan's grid pattern, the East River, and the Atlantic coastline receding as the aircraft climbs. Notable sights include: Manhattan island and East River, Jamaica Bay and coastal wetlands, Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Lagos Murtala Muhammed in Lagos?
When landing at Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best views during descent into Lagos. You'll see the Lagos Lagoon system, the Atlantic coastline, and the city's sprawling urban development across the coastal plains. Notable sights include: Lagos Lagoon and barrier islands, Atlantic Ocean coastline, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos city sprawl.
How long is the flight from New York to Lagos?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Lagos Murtala Muhammed (LOS) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,247 miles (8,444 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Lagos flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 7-8 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include the Azores archipelago (if visible during daylight hours, typically 4-5 hours into flight), the western coast of Morocco and Western Sahara (approaching African continent), and the Sahara Desert's northern edge near the coast. The Canary Current and North Atlantic trade wind patterns influence the flight corridor. As the aircraft approaches West Africa, the Mauritanian coast and the Senegal River delta become visible before the final descent toward Lagos.