Both ends of the flight offer strong scenery, but the JFK arrival over Long Island Sound with Manhattan's skyline in view is more visually striking and memorable than the Lisbon departure, giving the right side a slight edge despite the long ocean crossing capping both sides during cruise.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the flight, with no land visible until the approach to Long Island; the route passes well south of Greenland and north of the Azores on the great-circle path.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIS
LEFTDeparting LIS on runway 02, the aircraft climbs north then banks left toward the Atlantic, swinging the nose from north to west. This turn puts Lisbon's downtown, the Tagus estuary, and the 25 de Abril Bridge directly under the left-side windows before the coastline recedes.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn approach to JFK's runway 22L/22R from the northeast, the aircraft descends over Long Island before turning onto final, putting Manhattan's skyline and the western Long Island Sound shoreline on the right side. This is one of the most recognizable urban views in commercial aviation.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lisboa (LIS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to New York. Both ends of the flight offer strong scenery, but the JFK arrival over Long Island Sound with Manhattan's skyline in view is more visually striking and memorable than the Lisbon departure, giving the right side a slight edge despite the long ocean crossing capping both sides during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Lisboa in Lisbon?
During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing LIS on runway 02, the aircraft climbs north then banks left toward the Atlantic, swinging the nose from north to west. This turn puts Lisbon's downtown, the Tagus estuary, and the 25 de Abril Bridge directly under the left-side windows before the coastline recedes. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Lisbon downtown and Alfama district, 25 de Abril Bridge, Atlantic coastline near Cascais.
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 approach to JFK's runway 22L/22R from the northeast, the aircraft descends over Long Island before turning onto final, putting Manhattan's skyline and the western Long Island Sound shoreline on the right side. This is one of the most recognizable urban views in commercial aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges, Jamaica Bay wetlands near JFK.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to New York?
The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 6h 45m.
What does the Lisbon to New York flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the flight, with no land visible until the approach to Long Island; the route passes well south of Greenland and north of the Azores on the great-circle path.