The left side wins overall. The Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure view is one of the most iconic urban departures in aviation. Through the long overwater cruise across the Pacific, neither side has a consistent advantage, but the departure experience on the left is significantly more rewarding than the right side's Atlantic-facing view at takeoff.
Flown JFK to XSP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Singapore is 9,527 miles (15,333 km), a flight of about 18 hours.
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Atlantic briefly, then across Canada and Alaska, crossing the Bering Sea near the Aleutian Islands chain, then descending south over the North Pacific past Japan. Visible features at altitude can include the Aleutian Islands arc, the Japanese archipelago (Honshu coastline and potentially Mount Fuji on clear days), the South China Sea, and the Malay Peninsula before descent into Singapore.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTJFK's primary departure runways 31L/31R send aircraft northwest over Jamaica Bay and then across Brooklyn and Manhattan. The left side gives you the full sweep of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge as you climb out. Right side faces toward the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island's south shore, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at XSP
RIGHTSeletar Airport sits in the north of Singapore island. Aircraft typically approach from the south or southeast, meaning the right side faces west toward the Johor Strait, the causeway linking Singapore to Malaysia, and the dense urban core of central Singapore. The left side looks east toward open sea and industrial Pulau Ubin.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Seletar (XSP)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Singapore. The left side wins overall. The Manhattan and Jamaica Bay departure view is one of the most iconic urban departures in aviation. Through the long overwater cruise across the Pacific, neither side has a consistent advantage, but the departure experience on the left is significantly more rewarding than the right side's Atlantic-facing view at takeoff.
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's primary departure runways 31L/31R send aircraft northwest over Jamaica Bay and then across Brooklyn and Manhattan. The left side gives you the full sweep of Lower Manhattan's skyline, the Hudson River, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge as you climb out. Right side faces toward the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island's south shore, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Lower Manhattan and Midtown), Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Hudson River.
What can I see when landing at Seletar in Singapore?
When landing at Seletar (XSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Seletar Airport sits in the north of Singapore island. Aircraft typically approach from the south or southeast, meaning the right side faces west toward the Johor Strait, the causeway linking Singapore to Malaysia, and the dense urban core of central Singapore. The left side looks east toward open sea and industrial Pulau Ubin. Notable sights include: Johor Strait and Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Woodlands Causeway, central Singapore urban skyline, Sembawang naval base.
How long is the flight from New York to Singapore?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Seletar (XSP) takes about 18 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 9,527 miles (15,333 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Singapore flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast over the North Atlantic briefly, then across Canada and Alaska, crossing the Bering Sea near the Aleutian Islands chain, then descending south over the North Pacific past Japan. Visible features at altitude can include the Aleutian Islands arc, the Japanese archipelago (Honshu coastline and potentially Mount Fuji on clear days), the South China Sea, and the Malay Peninsula before descent into Singapore.