The right side wins narrowly by combining a fleeting but genuine Manhattan skyline view on departure with a glimpse of Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes on arrival, while the left side offers mostly flat, undistinguished terrain for the whole short flight.
Flown JFK to ROC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Rochester is 263 miles (424 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Catskill Mountains foothills, Susquehanna River valley, rolling farmland of the Southern Tier of New York
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK on a northwest heading toward Rochester, the right side offers a brief but striking view back over the Manhattan skyline and the East River as the aircraft climbs out over Queens and the Bronx before turning inland. The left side mostly shows Jamaica Bay and the flatter South Shore of Long Island.
Landing at ROC
RIGHTOn approach into Rochester from the south, the right side gives passengers a glimpse of the northern Finger Lakes and the flat farmland transitioning to the shoreline of Lake Ontario just north of the airport. The left side mostly shows featureless agricultural land west of the city.
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 Greater Rochester International (ROC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Rochester. The right side wins narrowly by combining a fleeting but genuine Manhattan skyline view on departure with a glimpse of Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes on arrival, while the left side offers mostly flat, undistinguished terrain for the whole short 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 Right side for the best views. Departing JFK on a northwest heading toward Rochester, the right side offers a brief but striking view back over the Manhattan skyline and the East River as the aircraft climbs out over Queens and the Bronx before turning inland. The left side mostly shows Jamaica Bay and the flatter South Shore of Long Island. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Long Island Sound, Bronx waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Greater Rochester International in Rochester?
When landing at Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Rochester from the south, the right side gives passengers a glimpse of the northern Finger Lakes and the flat farmland transitioning to the shoreline of Lake Ontario just north of the airport. The left side mostly shows featureless agricultural land west of the city. Notable sights include: Finger Lakes (northern tips), Lake Ontario shoreline, Genesee River, Rochester suburbs.
How long is the flight from New York to Rochester?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Greater Rochester International (ROC) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 263 miles (424 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Rochester flight path pass over?
Catskill Mountains foothills, Susquehanna River valley, rolling farmland of the Southern Tier of New York