Right side wins for both takeoff and landing phases. The eastbound departure over Lake Michigan and the westbound descent over Jamaica Bay and Long Island Sound both favor the right side of the aircraft.
Flown MKE to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milwaukee to New York is 744 miles (1,197 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills and ridges of Pennsylvania and New York. Around the midpoint near the Pennsylvania-New York border, the terrain transitions from the Great Lakes plain to rolling hills. The Hudson River valley becomes visible during descent into the New York area. Lake Erie is visible to the south during the early-to-mid portion of the flight for passengers on the right side.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MKE
RIGHTRight side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs eastward over the lake, providing clear water views and the Milwaukee shoreline receding below.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent approach into JFK. The aircraft descends over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay, with views of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Atlantic coastline. The Hudson River and Manhattan are visible to the left but more distant.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Mitchell International (MKE) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milwaukee to New York. Right side wins for both takeoff and landing phases. The eastbound departure over Lake Michigan and the westbound descent over Jamaica Bay and Long Island Sound both favor the right side of the aircraft.
What can I see during takeoff from General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
During takeoff from General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of Lake Michigan immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs eastward over the lake, providing clear water views and the Milwaukee shoreline receding below. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan, Milwaukee downtown skyline, Shoreline bluffs along the western shore.
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. Right side provides excellent views during the descent approach into JFK. The aircraft descends over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay, with views of Queens, Brooklyn, and the Atlantic coastline. The Hudson River and Manhattan are visible to the left but more distant. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Long Island Sound, Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods, Atlantic Ocean coastline.
How long is the flight from Milwaukee to New York?
The flight from General Mitchell International (MKE) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 744 miles (1,197 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milwaukee to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills and ridges of Pennsylvania and New York. Around the midpoint near the Pennsylvania-New York border, the terrain transitions from the Great Lakes plain to rolling hills. The Hudson River valley becomes visible during descent into the New York area. Lake Erie is visible to the south during the early-to-mid portion of the flight for passengers on the right side.