The right side strings together the Manhattan skyline at takeoff, glimpses of the Great Lakes and the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park during cruise, and Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams on the descent — a more varied and mountain-heavy set of views than the left side offers, even though the left side wins the final Mount Hood approach shot.
Flown JFK to PDX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Portland is 2,447 miles (3,939 km), a flight of about 6 hours 20 minutes.
Great Lakes region (Lake Erie/Lake Michigan vicinity), Northern Great Plains of the Dakotas, the Rocky Mountain front near Glacier National Park in Montana, and the Cascade Range approaching Oregon
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK to the northwest before turning onto a westbound heading typically swings the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay into view on the right side of the aircraft. It's a brief but genuinely dramatic urban view that the left side, facing mostly Queens rooftops and open water, doesn't match.
Landing at PDX
LEFTOn the descent into PDX from the east, the final approach heading west puts Mount Hood's snow-capped cone and the Willamette River corridor through downtown Portland on the left side. It's the signature Pacific Northwest view that anchors the whole approach.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Portland International (PDX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Portland. The right side strings together the Manhattan skyline at takeoff, glimpses of the Great Lakes and the northern Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park during cruise, and Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams on the descent — a more varied and mountain-heavy set of views than the left side offers, even though the left side wins the final Mount Hood approach shot.
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 Right side for the best views. Departing JFK to the northwest before turning onto a westbound heading typically swings the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay into view on the right side of the aircraft. It's a brief but genuinely dramatic urban view that the left side, facing mostly Queens rooftops and open water, doesn't match. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Portland International in Portland?
When landing at Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into PDX from the east, the final approach heading west puts Mount Hood's snow-capped cone and the Willamette River corridor through downtown Portland on the left side. It's the signature Pacific Northwest view that anchors the whole approach. Notable sights include: Mount Hood, Willamette River, Portland downtown skyline, Columbia River.
How long is the flight from New York to Portland?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Portland International (PDX) takes about 6 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,447 miles (3,939 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Portland flight path pass over?
Great Lakes region (Lake Erie/Lake Michigan vicinity), Northern Great Plains of the Dakotas, the Rocky Mountain front near Glacier National Park in Montana, and the Cascade Range approaching Oregon