While both sides face several hours of open Atlantic and Caribbean water during cruise, the right side wins decisively due to the legendary low-altitude Maho Beach approach into SXM, which offers dramatic terrain and turquoise water views unmatched by the takeoff-side skyline glimpse.
Flight Path
Open Atlantic Ocean, eastern edge of the Bahamian archipelago, and the northern Leeward Islands chain as the flight approaches Sint Maarten
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTDeparting JFK on a southeast heading, the left side offers a brief but recognizable glimpse back toward the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay before the aircraft turns out over open Atlantic water. The right side mostly shows the flat Rockaway Peninsula and featureless ocean.
Landing at SXM
RIGHTSXM's approach to runway 10 crosses low over Maho Beach and the island's hilly southern terrain, all visible on the right side of the aircraft as it descends eastward. The turquoise shallows of Simpson Bay Lagoon and the surrounding green hills make this one of the most photographed approaches in commercial aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Princess Juliana International (SXM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Philipsburg. While both sides face several hours of open Atlantic and Caribbean water during cruise, the right side wins decisively due to the legendary low-altitude Maho Beach approach into SXM, which offers dramatic terrain and turquoise water views unmatched by the takeoff-side skyline glimpse.
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. Departing JFK on a southeast heading, the left side offers a brief but recognizable glimpse back toward the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay before the aircraft turns out over open Atlantic water. The right side mostly shows the flat Rockaway Peninsula and featureless ocean. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wildlife refuge, Rockaway Peninsula, Atlantic coastline.
What can I see when landing at Princess Juliana International in Philipsburg?
When landing at Princess Juliana International (SXM), sit on the Right side for the best views. SXM's approach to runway 10 crosses low over Maho Beach and the island's hilly southern terrain, all visible on the right side of the aircraft as it descends eastward. The turquoise shallows of Simpson Bay Lagoon and the surrounding green hills make this one of the most photographed approaches in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Sint Maarten's volcanic hills, Princess Juliana runway threshold.
How long is the flight from New York to Philipsburg?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Princess Juliana International (SXM) takes 3h 45m.
What does the New York to Philipsburg flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean, eastern edge of the Bahamian archipelago, and the northern Leeward Islands chain as the flight approaches Sint Maarten