Right-side seats offer more consistent scenic value across the entire flight: excellent Manhattan and Hudson Valley views during takeoff, and during cruise you'll see the Catskill Mountains and the transition zones between New York and Pennsylvania. The landing into Toronto is comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall recommendation to the right.
Flight Path
Hudson Valley (including the Hudson River winding through forested terrain), Catskill Mountains to the northwest, Pennsylvania-New York border region with lakes and forests, Lake Ontario's southern shoreline as you approach Toronto airspace
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JFK
RIGHTRight-side seats offer clear views of the East River, Manhattan's grid, and the Hudson River as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of JFK. You'll see the urban sprawl transition to suburban areas and eventually the beginning of the Hudson Valley.
Landing at YTZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Toronto City Centre Airport. You'll see Lake Ontario's shoreline, the Toronto waterfront, and the city's downtown core as you approach from the south over the water.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Toronto. Right-side seats offer more consistent scenic value across the entire flight: excellent Manhattan and Hudson Valley views during takeoff, and during cruise you'll see the Catskill Mountains and the transition zones between New York and Pennsylvania. The landing into Toronto is comparable on both sides, but the takeoff advantage tips the overall recommendation to the right.
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 Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer clear views of the East River, Manhattan's grid, and the Hudson River as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of JFK. You'll see the urban sprawl transition to suburban areas and eventually the beginning of the Hudson Valley. Notable sights include: East River and Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Queens and Brooklyn urban grid, Westchester County suburbs.
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Toronto City Centre Airport. You'll see Lake Ontario's shoreline, the Toronto waterfront, and the city's downtown core as you approach from the south over the water. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and harbourfront, downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands.
How long is the flight from New York to Toronto?
The flight from John F Kennedy International (JFK) to City Centre (YTZ) takes Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
What does the New York to Toronto flight path pass over?
Hudson Valley (including the Hudson River winding through forested terrain), Catskill Mountains to the northwest, Pennsylvania-New York border region with lakes and forests, Lake Ontario's southern shoreline as you approach Toronto airspace