While left offers excellent New York departure views, right seats dominate the 17-hour flight by providing superior scenery during the critical landing phase over Melbourne's distinctive geography. The approach over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges is more visually rewarding than the Atlantic crossing that dominates most of the journey.
Flown JFK to MEL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Melbourne is 10,374 miles (16,696 km), a flight of about 17 hours.
This ultra-long-haul route typically follows a great-circle path across the North Atlantic, then over Europe and the Middle East before crossing the Indian Ocean. Notable features along the route include: the Atlantic coastline of Ireland and the UK (if visible during daylight), the Alps and Mediterranean (depending on exact routing), the Suez Canal region, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Ocean (largely featureless at altitude), and the western Australian coast near Perth before turning southeast toward Melbourne. Most of the flight occurs over open ocean with limited scenic landmarks. Daylight hours will be limited given the eastbound direction and time zones crossed.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Manhattan and the East River during initial climb-out heading southeast over New York City. You'll see the urban grid and waterways that define the region before heading out over the Atlantic.
Landing at MEL
RIGHTRight seats provide views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges during approach from the northwest. You'll see Melbourne's urban sprawl, the bay's distinctive shape, and the forested hills that frame the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Melbourne International (MEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Melbourne. While left offers excellent New York departure views, right seats dominate the 17-hour flight by providing superior scenery during the critical landing phase over Melbourne's distinctive geography. The approach over Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges is more visually rewarding than the Atlantic crossing that dominates most of the journey.
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 seats offer views of Manhattan and the East River during initial climb-out heading southeast over New York City. You'll see the urban grid and waterways that define the region before heading out over the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Upper New York Bay, Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges during approach from the northwest. You'll see Melbourne's urban sprawl, the bay's distinctive shape, and the forested hills that frame the city. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne CBD, Yarra River.
How long is the flight from New York to Melbourne?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Melbourne International (MEL) takes about 17 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 10,374 miles (16,696 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Melbourne flight path pass over?
This ultra-long-haul route typically follows a great-circle path across the North Atlantic, then over Europe and the Middle East before crossing the Indian Ocean. Notable features along the route include: the Atlantic coastline of Ireland and the UK (if visible during daylight), the Alps and Mediterranean (depending on exact routing), the Suez Canal region, the Red Sea, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Ocean (largely featureless at altitude), and the western Australian coast near Perth before turning southeast toward Melbourne. Most of the flight occurs over open ocean with limited scenic landmarks. Daylight hours will be limited given the eastbound direction and time zones crossed.