While left offers better takeoff views, right side dominates the longer descent phase over the Seychelles archipelago with its visually striking granite peaks and turquoise waters—the most memorable portion of this 14+ hour flight.
Flown JFK to SEZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Mahe is 8,440 miles (13,582 km), a flight of about 14 hours 30 minutes.
This route crosses the Atlantic Ocean (minimal landmarks for 6+ hours), then passes over West Africa's coastline (Senegal/Guinea region visible around 8-10 hours into flight), continues over the Sahara and North Africa, then crosses the Mediterranean and Red Sea region before heading south over the Indian Ocean toward the Seychelles. The most visually interesting midpoint is the West African coast near Dakar and the subsequent transition to the Sahara's edge. The majority of the flight path is open ocean with limited scenic landmarks.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side offers views of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out over water. Right side faces inland toward Queens and Brooklyn with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at SEZ
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Seychelles archipelago's dramatic granite peaks and turquoise lagoons during descent into Mahé. Left side faces open Indian Ocean with minimal visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Seychelles International (SEZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Mahe. While left offers better takeoff views, right side dominates the longer descent phase over the Seychelles archipelago with its visually striking granite peaks and turquoise waters—the most memorable portion of this 14+ hour 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. Left side offers views of Long Island Sound and the Atlantic coastline as the aircraft climbs out over water. Right side faces inland toward Queens and Brooklyn with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Atlantic Ocean, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Seychelles International in Mahe?
When landing at Seychelles International (SEZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Seychelles archipelago's dramatic granite peaks and turquoise lagoons during descent into Mahé. Left side faces open Indian Ocean with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Mahé island granite peaks, Silhouette Island, Indian Ocean, coral reef systems.
How long is the flight from New York to Mahe?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Seychelles International (SEZ) takes about 14 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,440 miles (13,582 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Mahe flight path pass over?
This route crosses the Atlantic Ocean (minimal landmarks for 6+ hours), then passes over West Africa's coastline (Senegal/Guinea region visible around 8-10 hours into flight), continues over the Sahara and North Africa, then crosses the Mediterranean and Red Sea region before heading south over the Indian Ocean toward the Seychelles. The most visually interesting midpoint is the West African coast near Dakar and the subsequent transition to the Sahara's edge. The majority of the flight path is open ocean with limited scenic landmarks.