Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to San Salvador. While takeoff offers interesting coastal views, the landing approach provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery. The volcanic landscape of El Salvador—particularly San Salvador volcano and Lake Ilopango—offers more visually striking features than the relatively flat Long Island terrain at departure.

During takeoff from John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coastline during the initial climb-out heading south-southwest. You'll see the intricate pattern of Long Island's north shore inlets and barrier islands receding beneath the aircraft. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, Jamaica Bay marshlands, Atlantic Ocean horizon.

When landing at El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of El Salvador's volcanic landscape during descent. You'll see the Central American highlands, including views of the volcanic peaks that ring San Salvador, and the approach over the Salvadoran countryside with its distinctive green valleys. Notable sights include: Salvadoran volcanic highlands, San Salvador volcano, Lake Ilopango, Pacific coastal plains.

The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to El Salvador International (SAL) takes Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Caribbean Sea and passes over or near the Yucatan Peninsula (visible as a low-lying landmass with cenotes and limestone formations), then continues south over the Gulf of Honduras and the Caribbean coast of Central America. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system lies to the east of the flight path. As you approach El Salvador, the Sierra Madre mountain range becomes visible, running parallel to the Pacific coast.