About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from North Island Nas (NZY) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to New York. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise, the left side also faces generally south, offering better views of the Colorado Plateau, New Mexico high desert, Texas panhandle, and Appalachian ridgelines as the route tracks northeast. Right side faces north toward less dramatic terrain for most of the journey.
What can I see during takeoff from North Island Nas in San Diego?
During takeoff from North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Left side for the best views. NZY typically departs runway 36 heading north, then turns east. The left side captures San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, and Point Loma. Right side gets mostly open Pacific and the naval station ramp. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma peninsula.
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. JFK primarily uses runways 31L/31R for westerly departures or 22L/22R for southerly approaches. On the common ILS approach to runway 22L from the northeast, the left side faces south and west, giving views of Long Island's south shore, Jamaica Bay, and the Manhattan skyline in the distance to the northwest. Right side faces inland over suburban Queens and Nassau County with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Long Island south shore barrier beaches, Manhattan skyline (distant), Queens residential grid.
How long is the flight from San Diego to New York?
The flight from North Island Nas (NZY) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes.
What does the San Diego to New York flight path pass over?
The route typically tracks northeast over the Sonoran Desert and Arizona high desert, then across the Four Corners region with the Colorado Plateau and canyon country visible below. Continuing over New Mexico and the Texas panhandle, then across Oklahoma and Arkansas. The Ozark Plateau and then the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia appear before descending toward the mid-Atlantic coast and Long Island.