The left side captures Melbourne's bay and skyline on departure and Manhattan's skyline on arrival, while the right side is dominated by open ocean and flat terrain for nearly the entire flight.
Flown MEL to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to New York is 10,374 miles (16,696 km), a flight of about 19 hours 35 minutes.
Vast South Pacific Ocean crossing near Fiji and north of Hawaii, followed by the North American coastline near California before the transcontinental leg over the Rockies and Great Plains toward the East Coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEL
LEFTDeparting Melbourne on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north then banks east, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Port Phillip Bay, the Melbourne CBD skyline, and the Mornington Peninsula before the coastline gives way to the Tasman Sea. The right side mostly sees flat outer suburbs and farmland.
Landing at JFK
LEFTOn a typical westerly arrival into JFK, aircraft cross New Jersey and swing south over Staten Island before turning onto final for runway 22L/22R, putting Manhattan's skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on the left side. The right side instead shows the flatter expanse of Long Island and Jamaica Bay.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne International (MEL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to New York. The left side captures Melbourne's bay and skyline on departure and Manhattan's skyline on arrival, while the right side is dominated by open ocean and flat terrain for nearly the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne International in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne International (MEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Melbourne on runway 34, the aircraft climbs north then banks east, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Port Phillip Bay, the Melbourne CBD skyline, and the Mornington Peninsula before the coastline gives way to the Tasman Sea. The right side mostly sees flat outer suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Strait coastline.
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. On a typical westerly arrival into JFK, aircraft cross New Jersey and swing south over Staten Island before turning onto final for runway 22L/22R, putting Manhattan's skyline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on the left side. The right side instead shows the flatter expanse of Long Island and Jamaica Bay. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to New York?
The flight from Melbourne International (MEL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 19 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,374 miles (16,696 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to New York flight path pass over?
Vast South Pacific Ocean crossing near Fiji and north of Hawaii, followed by the North American coastline near California before the transcontinental leg over the Rockies and Great Plains toward the East Coast.