While left offers good departure views over New York, right provides superior landing scenery with Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa clearly visible during descent. The flight path northwestward means right-side views capture more of the scenic Rideau River valley approach.
Flown JFK to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
New York to Ottawa is 337 miles (543 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Hudson River valley (visible during initial climb), Catskill Mountains to the northwest, Lake Champlain and Green Mountains of Vermont on the left side of the flight path, Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, St. Lawrence River valley as the aircraft approaches Canadian airspace
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
LEFTLeft side offers views of the East River, Manhattan's grid, and the initial climb over the Atlantic coastal plain. Right side faces inland toward Queens and Long Island with less dramatic scenery during departure.
Landing at YOW
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Rideau River, downtown Ottawa, and Parliament Hill as the aircraft descends into YOW from the south. Left side faces toward the Gatineau Hills across the provincial border with less distinctive urban landmarks.
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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 Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Ottawa. While left offers good departure views over New York, right provides superior landing scenery with Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa clearly visible during descent. The flight path northwestward means right-side views capture more of the scenic Rideau River valley approach.
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. Left side offers views of the East River, Manhattan's grid, and the initial climb over the Atlantic coastal plain. Right side faces inland toward Queens and Long Island with less dramatic scenery during departure. Notable sights include: East River, Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Atlantic Ocean horizon.
What can I see when landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
When landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Rideau River, downtown Ottawa, and Parliament Hill as the aircraft descends into YOW from the south. Left side faces toward the Gatineau Hills across the provincial border with less distinctive urban landmarks. Notable sights include: Rideau River, Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Hills, Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International Airport.
How long is the flight from New York to Ottawa?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 337 miles (543 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the New York to Ottawa flight path pass over?
Hudson River valley (visible during initial climb), Catskill Mountains to the northwest, Lake Champlain and Green Mountains of Vermont on the left side of the flight path, Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, St. Lawrence River valley as the aircraft approaches Canadian airspace