The left side wins narrowly because the New York takeoff sequence delivers a genuinely iconic skyline and river view, while most of the long cruise over the Canadian Arctic and Siberia is visually flat and remote regardless of side, making the memorable urban bookend on departure the deciding factor.
Flown JFK to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Taipei is 7,791 miles (12,539 km), a flight of about 15 hours 55 minutes.
Hudson Bay coastline, Canadian Arctic tundra and frozen lakes, Siberian taiga and river deltas, Sea of Japan coastline near Korea
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTFlights from JFK heading toward polar routes typically climb north over Long Island Sound then bank toward the Hudson Valley, putting the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb.
Landing at TSA
RIGHTOn the typical winter approach into Songshan (runway 28), the aircraft descends westward over the Taipei basin, giving the right side a view of the green ridgelines of Yangmingshan National Park rising north of the city as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Taipei. The left side wins narrowly because the New York takeoff sequence delivers a genuinely iconic skyline and river view, while most of the long cruise over the Canadian Arctic and Siberia is visually flat and remote regardless of side, making the memorable urban bookend on departure the deciding factor.
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. Flights from JFK heading toward polar routes typically climb north over Long Island Sound then bank toward the Hudson Valley, putting the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge on the left side of the aircraft during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical winter approach into Songshan (runway 28), the aircraft descends westward over the Taipei basin, giving the right side a view of the green ridgelines of Yangmingshan National Park rising north of the city as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Yangmingshan National Park, Keelung River, Taipei Basin foothills, Taipei city grid.
How long is the flight from New York to Taipei?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 15 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,791 miles (12,539 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Taipei flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay coastline, Canadian Arctic tundra and frozen lakes, Siberian taiga and river deltas, Sea of Japan coastline near Korea