While the takeoff offers interesting views of Johannesburg and the South African highveld, the landing approach into JFK provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Manhattan skyline, harbor geometry, and river systems are iconic and unmistakable from altitude. Right side captures this better.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8-9 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include: the African coast near Angola/Namibia (if visible during early flight stages), the mid-Atlantic ridge system (not visible from altitude), the Azores archipelago (if flight path passes nearby), and the eastern seaboard of North America including the Appalachian Mountains and the U.S. East Coast approaching New York.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from JNB
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's urban sprawl as you climb out heading northeast. The city's grid pattern and surrounding highveld plateau are distinctive from altitude.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Atlantic coastline, including the Hudson River estuary and Manhattan's distinctive skyline as you approach JFK from the southwest. The geometry of New York Harbor and surrounding waterways is visually striking.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Johannesburg to New York. While the takeoff offers interesting views of Johannesburg and the South African highveld, the landing approach into JFK provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Manhattan skyline, harbor geometry, and river systems are iconic and unmistakable from altitude. Right side captures this better.
What can I see during takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg?
During takeoff from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Witwatersrand ridge and Johannesburg's urban sprawl as you climb out heading northeast. The city's grid pattern and surrounding highveld plateau are distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Johannesburg city center and northern suburbs, Witwatersrand ridge, Pretoria skyline to the north, highveld grassland extending to the horizon.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Atlantic coastline, including the Hudson River estuary and Manhattan's distinctive skyline as you approach JFK from the southwest. The geometry of New York Harbor and surrounding waterways is visually striking. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, East River, New York Harbor and Governors Island.
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to New York?
The flight from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 14.5 to 15.5 hours.
What does the Johannesburg to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 8-9 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include: the African coast near Angola/Namibia (if visible during early flight stages), the mid-Atlantic ridge system (not visible from altitude), the Azores archipelago (if flight path passes nearby), and the eastern seaboard of North America including the Appalachian Mountains and the U.S. East Coast approaching New York.