While takeoff briefly favors the left with the Manhattan skyline, the right side gains from a long stretch of the great-circle route crossing near the Alps, the Adriatic, and Greek islands during cruise, plus the coastal Tel Aviv approach, giving it more sustained scenic variety overall.
Flown JFK to TLV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Tel Aviv is 5,665 miles (9,117 km), a flight of about 10 hours 45 minutes.
North Atlantic open ocean, southern Ireland and English Channel approaches, the Alps and northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, Greek islands and Crete, and the eastern Mediterranean Sea leading into the Israeli coastline
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK departures heading toward Europe typically climb out over Long Island before banking north and east, giving left-side passengers a brief but classic view of the Manhattan skyline and Long Island Sound before the plane turns out over open ocean.
Landing at TLV
RIGHTOn the common runway 26 approach into Ben Gurion, the aircraft descends from the east over the Judean hills before turning toward the coast, putting the Tel Aviv skyline and Mediterranean shoreline on the right side of the aircraft during final descent.
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 Ben Gurion (TLV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Tel Aviv. While takeoff briefly favors the left with the Manhattan skyline, the right side gains from a long stretch of the great-circle route crossing near the Alps, the Adriatic, and Greek islands during cruise, plus the coastal Tel Aviv approach, giving it more sustained scenic variety overall.
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. JFK departures heading toward Europe typically climb out over Long Island before banking north and east, giving left-side passengers a brief but classic view of the Manhattan skyline and Long Island Sound before the plane turns out over open ocean. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula.
What can I see when landing at Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv?
When landing at Ben Gurion (TLV), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the common runway 26 approach into Ben Gurion, the aircraft descends from the east over the Judean hills before turning toward the coast, putting the Tel Aviv skyline and Mediterranean shoreline on the right side of the aircraft during final descent. Notable sights include: Tel Aviv skyline, Mediterranean coastline, Yarkon River mouth, Judean foothills.
How long is the flight from New York to Tel Aviv?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ben Gurion (TLV) takes about 10 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,665 miles (9,117 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Tel Aviv flight path pass over?
North Atlantic open ocean, southern Ireland and English Channel approaches, the Alps and northern Italy, the Adriatic Sea, Greek islands and Crete, and the eastern Mediterranean Sea leading into the Israeli coastline