New York to Pittsburgh is 339 miles (545 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The left side delivers the dramatic Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure view, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial departures in the world. The Pittsburgh arrival view on the right is compelling but brief. Left wins on total scenic value across the full flight.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the broad Susquehanna River valley near Harrisburg, and the folded ridge-and-valley Appalachians of central Pennsylvania including Tussey Mountain and Bald Eagle Ridge before descending into the Pittsburgh basin
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK typically departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On westbound departures, the left side gets a clear view over Jamaica Bay, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline as the aircraft banks northwest toward Pittsburgh. The right side faces south over the Atlantic with little of interest.
Landing at PIT
RIGHTPittsburgh International sits west of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 28L/28R or land heading west. On approach from the east, the right side faces north and northeast, giving views over the Ohio River valley, the Allegheny River, and the dense urban grid of downtown Pittsburgh with its distinctive triangular Point State Park where three rivers meet.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Pittsburgh International (PIT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Pittsburgh. The left side delivers the dramatic Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure view, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial departures in the world. The Pittsburgh arrival view on the right is compelling but brief. Left wins on total scenic value across the full flight.
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 typically departs westbound on runway 31L/31R or eastbound on 22L/22R. On westbound departures, the left side gets a clear view over Jamaica Bay, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline as the aircraft banks northwest toward Pittsburgh. The right side faces south over the Atlantic with little of interest. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Upper New York Bay.
What can I see when landing at Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
When landing at Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Pittsburgh International sits west of the city, and aircraft typically approach from the east on runway 28L/28R or land heading west. On approach from the east, the right side faces north and northeast, giving views over the Ohio River valley, the Allegheny River, and the dense urban grid of downtown Pittsburgh with its distinctive triangular Point State Park where three rivers meet. Notable sights include: Downtown Pittsburgh (The Point), Ohio River, Allegheny River, Monongahela River confluence.
How long is the flight from New York to Pittsburgh?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Pittsburgh International (PIT) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 339 miles (545 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Pittsburgh flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, the broad Susquehanna River valley near Harrisburg, and the folded ridge-and-valley Appalachians of central Pennsylvania including Tussey Mountain and Bald Eagle Ridge before descending into the Pittsburgh basin