While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to JFK from the west provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery. The Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and New York Bay views during descent outweigh the initial Kuala Lumpur urban views. Left-side seats capture the iconic final approach.
Flown KUL to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Kuala Lumpur to New York is 9,426 miles (15,169 km), a flight of about 17 hours 30 minutes.
The flight typically routes northwest over the Andaman Sea, then crosses the Indian subcontinent (Himalayas visible on clear days), continues over the Arabian Sea or Persian Gulf region, crosses the Middle East (Zagros Mountains in Iran potentially visible), then over Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Atlantic. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Himalayas (if routed via northern India), the Persian Gulf coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean for the final 6-7 hours.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KUL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur's urban sprawl during the northwestward climb-out. You'll see the city grid, the Petronas Twin Towers area, and the transition to suburban development spreading toward the Strait of Malacca.
Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the westward approach to JFK. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the New Jersey coastline as the aircraft descends toward the runway. The East River and Upper New York Bay are also visible during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kuala Lumpur to New York. While takeoff favors the right, the landing approach to JFK from the west provides more dramatic and recognizable scenery. The Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and New York Bay views during descent outweigh the initial Kuala Lumpur urban views. Left-side seats capture the iconic final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International in Kuala Lumpur?
During takeoff from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Klang Valley and Kuala Lumpur's urban sprawl during the northwestward climb-out. You'll see the city grid, the Petronas Twin Towers area, and the transition to suburban development spreading toward the Strait of Malacca. Notable sights include: Klang Valley urban area, Petronas Twin Towers district, Strait of Malacca (western horizon), Selangor River valley.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the westward approach to JFK. You'll see the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the New Jersey coastline as the aircraft descends toward the runway. The East River and Upper New York Bay are also visible during final approach. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, Upper New York Bay, New Jersey industrial areas.
How long is the flight from Kuala Lumpur to New York?
The flight from Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 17 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 9,426 miles (15,169 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Kuala Lumpur to New York flight path pass over?
The flight typically routes northwest over the Andaman Sea, then crosses the Indian subcontinent (Himalayas visible on clear days), continues over the Arabian Sea or Persian Gulf region, crosses the Middle East (Zagros Mountains in Iran potentially visible), then over Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Atlantic. Notable midpoint landmarks include the Himalayas (if routed via northern India), the Persian Gulf coastline, and the Atlantic Ocean for the final 6-7 hours.