While the JFK takeoff favors the right side for its Manhattan view, the San Diego arrival on the left side delivers a longer, more dramatic sequence over downtown skyline, the bay, and the Coronado Bridge, giving the left side the stronger overall visual payoff for this route.
Flown JFK to SAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to San Diego is 2,441 miles (3,928 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania, the flat expanse of the Great Plains over Kansas, the southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border, and the high desert mesas of northern Arizona before crossing the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains into Southern California.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTDeparting JFK to the west, the right side offers a brief but classic view of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge as the aircraft climbs out over Queens and the Bronx. The left side only shows Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway barrier islands, and open Atlantic water.
Landing at SAN
LEFTOn the standard SAN approach over Mission Valley, the final descent passes just north of downtown San Diego, so left-side passengers get a dramatic close-up of the skyline, Petco Park, and San Diego Bay with the Coronado Bridge arcing across the water. The right side instead faces Balboa Park and the Uptown neighborhoods, which are pleasant but less striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to San Diego. While the JFK takeoff favors the right side for its Manhattan view, the San Diego arrival on the left side delivers a longer, more dramatic sequence over downtown skyline, the bay, and the Coronado Bridge, giving the left side the stronger overall visual payoff for this route.
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 west, the right side offers a brief but classic view of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge as the aircraft climbs out over Queens and the Bronx. The left side only shows Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway barrier islands, and open Atlantic water. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, Central Park.
What can I see when landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
When landing at San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the standard SAN approach over Mission Valley, the final descent passes just north of downtown San Diego, so left-side passengers get a dramatic close-up of the skyline, Petco Park, and San Diego Bay with the Coronado Bridge arcing across the water. The right side instead faces Balboa Park and the Uptown neighborhoods, which are pleasant but less striking. Notable sights include: Downtown San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma peninsula.
How long is the flight from New York to San Diego?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,441 miles (3,928 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to San Diego flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania, the flat expanse of the Great Plains over Kansas, the southern Rocky Mountains near the Colorado-New Mexico border, and the high desert mesas of northern Arizona before crossing the Mojave Desert and the San Bernardino Mountains into Southern California.