The left side wins overall. The Manhattan skyline departure view is one of the most spectacular in commercial aviation and hard to beat. On the transatlantic cruise, the left side also faces south toward the Azores archipelago if routing takes you near it, and on descent into Porto the difference is less dramatic. The takeoff view from the left is the standout moment of this route.
Flown JFK to OPO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Porto is 3,314 miles (5,333 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The route tracks northeast from JFK over Long Island, then crosses the North Atlantic along roughly 41-45°N latitude. Visible features include the Nova Scotia coastline and Cape Breton Island early in the flight, then open North Atlantic ocean for the majority of the route. The southern tip of Greenland may appear on the horizon on more northerly routings. The Azores islands (Portuguese territory) may be visible far to the south depending on routing. The Portuguese coast appears near the end, with the flat coastal plain of the Minho and Douro regions visible on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK departures on runway 31L/31R head northwest, putting Manhattan directly on the left side. You get a clear view of the entire Manhattan skyline, the East River crossings, and the harbor as the aircraft climbs out over Jamaica Bay and turns northeast.
Landing at OPO
RIGHTPorto's runway 35 approach comes in from the south over the Atlantic coast, and runway 17 departure/arrival aligns along the coast heading north. On a standard ILS approach to runway 35, the right side faces east toward the Douro River valley, the historic city center, and the Dom Luís I Bridge. The left side faces the Atlantic Ocean, which is less interesting.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Porto (OPO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Porto. The left side wins overall. The Manhattan skyline departure view is one of the most spectacular in commercial aviation and hard to beat. On the transatlantic cruise, the left side also faces south toward the Azores archipelago if routing takes you near it, and on descent into Porto the difference is less dramatic. The takeoff view from the left is the standout moment of 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 departures on runway 31L/31R head northwest, putting Manhattan directly on the left side. You get a clear view of the entire Manhattan skyline, the East River crossings, and the harbor as the aircraft climbs out over Jamaica Bay and turns northeast. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Brooklyn and Queens grid below.
What can I see when landing at Porto in Porto?
When landing at Porto (OPO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Porto's runway 35 approach comes in from the south over the Atlantic coast, and runway 17 departure/arrival aligns along the coast heading north. On a standard ILS approach to runway 35, the right side faces east toward the Douro River valley, the historic city center, and the Dom Luís I Bridge. The left side faces the Atlantic Ocean, which is less interesting. Notable sights include: Douro River and its gorge cutting through the city, Dom Luís I Bridge and Ribeira district, Vila Nova de Gaia hillside with port wine lodges, Atlantic coastline at Foz do Douro.
How long is the flight from New York to Porto?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Porto (OPO) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,314 miles (5,333 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Porto flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from JFK over Long Island, then crosses the North Atlantic along roughly 41-45°N latitude. Visible features include the Nova Scotia coastline and Cape Breton Island early in the flight, then open North Atlantic ocean for the majority of the route. The southern tip of Greenland may appear on the horizon on more northerly routings. The Azores islands (Portuguese territory) may be visible far to the south depending on routing. The Portuguese coast appears near the end, with the flat coastal plain of the Minho and Douro regions visible on descent.