About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Schwechat (VIE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Vienna. The left side wins overall. The Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure views are genuinely spectacular and hard to beat. During the transatlantic cruise the left side also faces slightly more toward the southern coast of Greenland's ice sheet and Iceland's volcanic terrain depending on the exact routing, and the Vienna approach on the right is good but shorter in duration than the extended JFK departure show.
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 northeast on runway 31L/31R give the left side a direct view over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways, and then Manhattan's skyline as the aircraft banks. You get a clear look at the entire lower Manhattan and midtown skyline across the water before heading out over Long Island Sound. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Long Island coastline.
What can I see when landing at Schwechat in Vienna?
When landing at Schwechat (VIE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Vienna's Schwechat airport typically uses runway 11/29, with arrivals from the west on runway 11 heading east. The right side on approach gives views over the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald) to the south, then the city center including the Ringstrasse and historic districts as you descend over the western suburbs. Notable sights include: Vienna city center and Ringstrasse, Wienerwald (Vienna Woods), Danube River, Prater park and Riesenrad.
How long is the flight from New York to Vienna?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Schwechat (VIE) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What does the New York to Vienna flight path pass over?
The flight typically tracks a great circle route northeast over Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, then across the North Atlantic passing south of or over Iceland and the Faroe Islands, before crossing Scotland or northern England, the Netherlands or northern Germany, and descending into Austria. Greenland's southern ice cap edge may be visible far to the north. The Irish and Scottish coastlines are often clearly visible in good weather. Over central Europe, the Rhine valley and German lowlands are recognizable from altitude.