The right side wins on both ends of the flight — San Diego's bay and coastal mountains at takeoff, and the Manhattan skyline on final approach into JFK — while the left side offers mostly flat Midwest terrain during cruise.
Flown NZY to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to New York is 2,443 miles (3,932 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
Southern Rocky Mountains near Colorado/New Mexico, Great Plains, Mississippi River valley, Appalachian Mountains of the eastern seaboard
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from NZY
RIGHTDeparting NZY on runway 29 with an eastbound turn puts San Diego Bay, the Coronado skyline, and the coastal mountains on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over Southern California. The right side also picks up the rugged terrain of the Peninsular Ranges and Anza-Borrego Desert as the flight turns inland.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn approach to JFK's runway 22L/22R, arriving flights loop down over Long Island Sound before turning southwest to land, placing the Manhattan skyline and the western reaches of Long Island on the right side of the cabin. This gives passengers a clear view of the East River bridges and the city's dense high-rise core just before touchdown.
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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 Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to New York. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — San Diego's bay and coastal mountains at takeoff, and the Manhattan skyline on final approach into JFK — while the left side offers mostly flat Midwest terrain during cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from North Island Nas in San Diego?
During takeoff from North Island Nas (NZY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing NZY on runway 29 with an eastbound turn puts San Diego Bay, the Coronado skyline, and the coastal mountains on the right side of the aircraft as it climbs out over Southern California. The right side also picks up the rugged terrain of the Peninsular Ranges and Anza-Borrego Desert as the flight turns inland. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, Peninsular Ranges foothills.
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, arriving flights loop down over Long Island Sound before turning southwest to land, placing the Manhattan skyline and the western reaches of Long Island on the right side of the cabin. This gives passengers a clear view of the East River bridges and the city's dense high-rise core just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River bridges, Long Island Sound, LaGuardia's shoreline.
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 about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,443 miles (3,932 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to New York flight path pass over?
Southern Rocky Mountains near Colorado/New Mexico, Great Plains, Mississippi River valley, Appalachian Mountains of the eastern seaboard