The right side offers more coherent scenic value across the flight — a clearer view of the Seine valley on departure and, more importantly, the Manhattan skyline and Long Island waterways during the JFK approach, which are the flight's most visually rewarding moments.
Flown LBG to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to New York is 3,621 miles (5,828 km), a flight of about 8 hours 10 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean, southern approaches to Ireland, Grand Banks off Newfoundland, open ocean with no visible landmarks for several hours
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBG
RIGHTAfter departing LBG on runway 25 and banking onto the transatlantic routing, the aircraft's right side faces north toward the Seine valley and the patchwork of Île-de-France farmland, while the climb-out also affords glimpses of the Channel coast ahead. The left side mostly shows the denser southern Paris suburbs with less open scenery.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn the descent into JFK, arrivals from the northeast typically curve south over Long Island Sound before turning onto final approach for runways 22L/22R, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Shore beaches and Atlantic Ocean with less to distinguish.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Le Bourget (LBG) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to New York. The right side offers more coherent scenic value across the flight — a clearer view of the Seine valley on departure and, more importantly, the Manhattan skyline and Long Island waterways during the JFK approach, which are the flight's most visually rewarding moments.
What can I see during takeoff from Le Bourget in Paris?
During takeoff from Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Right side for the best views. After departing LBG on runway 25 and banking onto the transatlantic routing, the aircraft's right side faces north toward the Seine valley and the patchwork of Île-de-France farmland, while the climb-out also affords glimpses of the Channel coast ahead. The left side mostly shows the denser southern Paris suburbs with less open scenery. Notable sights include: Seine River bends, Île-de-France farmland, distant Paris suburbs, Charles de Gaulle airport sprawl.
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. On the descent into JFK, arrivals from the northeast typically curve south over Long Island Sound before turning onto final approach for runways 22L/22R, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River on the right side of the aircraft. The left side mainly shows the flatter South Shore beaches and Atlantic Ocean with less to distinguish. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges, Jamaica Bay wetlands.
How long is the flight from Paris to New York?
The flight from Le Bourget (LBG) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 8 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,621 miles (5,828 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to New York flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, southern approaches to Ireland, Grand Banks off Newfoundland, open ocean with no visible landmarks for several hours