Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from New York to Athens. Right seats capture the dramatic Hymettus approach into Athens, which is more visually distinctive than the New York departure. The mountain backdrop and Saronic Gulf views outweigh the Manhattan skyline departure.

During takeoff from La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA typically departs runway 4L/R or 13L/R depending on wind. Left seats offer views of Manhattan's East Side, the East River, and Queens during initial climb. Right seats see mostly industrial Queens and water towers. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, Chrysler Building visible as distant spires), East River, Roosevelt Island, Astoria Queens waterfront.

When landing at Athinai (HEW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Athens International (ATH) uses runways 03L/R and 21L/R. Right seats on approach from the west or northwest offer views of the Saronic Gulf, Attica coastline, and the Hymettus mountain range rising behind the city. Left seats see mostly inland terrain and suburbs. Notable sights include: Hymettus mountain range (eastern backdrop), Saronic Gulf (western approach), Mount Parnitha (northern horizon), Athens sprawl and Attica plain.

The flight from La Guardia (LGA) to Athinai (HEW) takes Approximately 9.5 to 10.5 hours.

Flight path crosses the Atlantic, passing over southern UK airspace, then over France and the Alps (visible as distant snow-capped ridges if daylight permits), then over the Mediterranean. The Alps appear roughly 6-7 hours into flight. The Mediterranean crossing offers views of southern Italy, the Ionian Sea, and Greece's western coastline approaching Athens. Corfu and the Greek islands become visible 1-2 hours before landing.