The right side strings together the flight's three best moments: the volcanic skyline of Mexico City on departure, the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastline during cruise, and a rare close-up of Manhattan on final approach into JFK. The left side spends most of the flight over the flatter interior Southeast with fewer standout landmarks.
Flight Path
Gulf of Mexico crossing near the Mexican coast, Florida Panhandle and Georgia/Carolina coastal plain, Atlantic barrier islands and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay before the New Jersey coast and New York approach
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEX
RIGHTDeparting MEX on the ENE heading toward New York, the climb-out banks away from the volcanoes that sit just southeast of the city, putting Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl in clear view on the right side. The snow-capped, still-active Popocatépetl with its visible crater steam is a rare and dramatic sight rising above the Valley of Mexico's dense urban grid.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTJFK arrivals are frequently vectored to approach from the northeast, meaning the final turn onto runway 22L/22R swings over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay before lining up, putting the Manhattan skyline and the barrier beaches of the Rockaways on the right side of the cabin. It's one of the few approaches in the US with a genuine skyline view this close to touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Mexico City to New York. The right side strings together the flight's three best moments: the volcanic skyline of Mexico City on departure, the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastline during cruise, and a rare close-up of Manhattan on final approach into JFK. The left side spends most of the flight over the flatter interior Southeast with fewer standout landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International in Mexico City?
During takeoff from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MEX on the ENE heading toward New York, the climb-out banks away from the volcanoes that sit just southeast of the city, putting Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl in clear view on the right side. The snow-capped, still-active Popocatépetl with its visible crater steam is a rare and dramatic sight rising above the Valley of Mexico's dense urban grid. Notable sights include: Popocatépetl volcano, Iztaccíhuatl volcano, Valley of Mexico basin, Mexico City urban 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. JFK arrivals are frequently vectored to approach from the northeast, meaning the final turn onto runway 22L/22R swings over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay before lining up, putting the Manhattan skyline and the barrier beaches of the Rockaways on the right side of the cabin. It's one of the few approaches in the US with a genuine skyline view this close to touchdown. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Rockaway Peninsula, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Mexico City to New York?
The flight from Licenciado Benito Juarez International (MEX) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 5h 10m.
What does the Mexico City to New York flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico crossing near the Mexican coast, Florida Panhandle and Georgia/Carolina coastal plain, Atlantic barrier islands and the mouth of Chesapeake Bay before the New Jersey coast and New York approach