About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Richmond International (RIC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Richmond. The left side delivers the dramatic New York departure view over Jamaica Bay with Manhattan on the horizon, which outweighs the right side's Richmond landing advantage. During the cruise portion heading southwest, the left side also has a slightly better angle toward the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal plain geography of New Jersey and Delaware as the flight tracks inland.
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 primarily departs eastward on runways 13L/13R or westward on 31L/31R. On the dominant eastward departure over Jamaica Bay, the left side faces north toward Manhattan, giving a clear view of the skyline, the East River bridges, and the full sweep of New York Harbor. The right side looks south over the Atlantic with little of interest. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, East River and its bridges.
What can I see when landing at Richmond International in Richmond?
When landing at Richmond International (RIC), sit on the Right side for the best views. RIC typically lands on runway 16 (heading south) or runway 34 (heading north). On the common runway 16 approach from the north, the right side faces west toward downtown Richmond and the James River, which curves visibly through the city. The left side looks east over flat suburban and rural Henrico County with little visual interest. Notable sights include: James River and its bends through Richmond, downtown Richmond skyline, Interstate 95 corridor, Chesapeake Bay visible in the far distance on approach.
How long is the flight from New York to Richmond?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Richmond International (RIC) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the New York to Richmond flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest over New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River near Wilmington, then over the flat Delmarva Peninsula and the upper Chesapeake Bay region before descending into central Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay's northern reaches and the broad tidal rivers of Maryland and Virginia are the most visually distinctive features at cruise altitude along this route.