Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Manhattan and New York Harbor on departure, Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's lakefront on arrival. The mid-flight portion over Pennsylvania and Ohio is relatively flat and unremarkable from either side, so the bookend views are what matter most on this route.
Flown JFK to MKE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Milwaukee is 744 miles (1,197 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest across northern New Jersey, then over the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania (modest ridgelines visible), across the flat agricultural plains of central Pennsylvania and northern Ohio, skirting south of Cleveland before crossing into Indiana and then over the southern tip of Lake Michigan approaching Milwaukee. The southern Lake Michigan shoreline becomes visible on the left roughly 30-40 minutes before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK's primary departure runways (31L/31R) head northwest, putting Manhattan and the full New York harbor complex on the left side. You get a clear view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Hudson River as the aircraft climbs out over Jamaica Bay.
Landing at MKE
LEFTMKE's primary arrival runway 25L/25R has aircraft approaching from the east over Lake Michigan, putting the lake on the right. However, runway 01R arrivals from the south place Lake Michigan on the left with a clear view of the Milwaukee lakefront, downtown skyline, and the distinctive curve of the harbor. On the more common westbound approach (runway 25), the left side still captures the downtown Milwaukee skyline and the lakefront as you cross the shoreline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to General Mitchell International (MKE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Milwaukee. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Manhattan and New York Harbor on departure, Lake Michigan and Milwaukee's lakefront on arrival. The mid-flight portion over Pennsylvania and Ohio is relatively flat and unremarkable from either side, so the bookend views are what matter most on 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) head northwest, putting Manhattan and the full New York harbor complex on the left side. You get a clear view of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Hudson River as the aircraft climbs out over Jamaica Bay. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay, Hudson River.
What can I see when landing at General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
When landing at General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Left side for the best views. MKE's primary arrival runway 25L/25R has aircraft approaching from the east over Lake Michigan, putting the lake on the right. However, runway 01R arrivals from the south place Lake Michigan on the left with a clear view of the Milwaukee lakefront, downtown skyline, and the distinctive curve of the harbor. On the more common westbound approach (runway 25), the left side still captures the downtown Milwaukee skyline and the lakefront as you cross the shoreline. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, Milwaukee downtown skyline, Milwaukee harbor, Menomonee River valley.
How long is the flight from New York to Milwaukee?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to General Mitchell International (MKE) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 744 miles (1,197 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Milwaukee flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest across northern New Jersey, then over the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania (modest ridgelines visible), across the flat agricultural plains of central Pennsylvania and northern Ohio, skirting south of Cleveland before crossing into Indiana and then over the southern tip of Lake Michigan approaching Milwaukee. The southern Lake Michigan shoreline becomes visible on the left roughly 30-40 minutes before landing.