The right side scores higher due to the dramatic New York arrival sequence—coastal scenery, Jamaica Bay, and the iconic Manhattan skyline provide significantly more visual interest and landmark density than the Paris departure. While Paris offers urban charm, the Atlantic crossing dominates the flight duration with open ocean (max 2.0 constraint), making the right side's concentrated scenic value at arrival the deciding factor.
Flown ORY to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to New York is 3,624 miles (5,832 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
North Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with no visible landmarks), Newfoundland and Nova Scotia coastlines briefly visible during mid-flight descent phase, Gulf Stream waters, occasional cloud formations over the Atlantic
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORY
LEFTParis departure offers urban scenery and Seine valley views. Left side (north) captures the Seine's meanders through the Île-de-France region and suburban sprawl northward toward Picardy.

Landing at JFK
RIGHTNew York approach from the east provides dramatic coastal and urban scenery. Right side (south) captures the Atlantic coastline, Long Island's barrier beaches, Jamaica Bay, and the iconic Manhattan skyline with its harbor approaches.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orly (ORY) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to New York. The right side scores higher due to the dramatic New York arrival sequence—coastal scenery, Jamaica Bay, and the iconic Manhattan skyline provide significantly more visual interest and landmark density than the Paris departure. While Paris offers urban charm, the Atlantic crossing dominates the flight duration with open ocean (max 2.0 constraint), making the right side's concentrated scenic value at arrival the deciding factor.
What can I see during takeoff from Orly in Paris?
During takeoff from Orly (ORY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Paris departure offers urban scenery and Seine valley views. Left side (north) captures the Seine's meanders through the Île-de-France region and suburban sprawl northward toward Picardy. Notable sights include: Seine River winding through Paris suburbs, Versailles Palace grounds (visible as formal gardens southwest), Notre-Dame and central Paris districts, northern Parisian sprawl toward Picardy plains.
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. New York approach from the east provides dramatic coastal and urban scenery. Right side (south) captures the Atlantic coastline, Long Island's barrier beaches, Jamaica Bay, and the iconic Manhattan skyline with its harbor approaches. Notable sights include: Atlantic coastline and barrier beaches of Long Island, Jamaica Bay and its islands, Manhattan skyline and East River, Statue of Liberty and Upper New York Bay.
How long is the flight from Paris to New York?
The flight from Orly (ORY) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,624 miles (5,832 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to New York flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean (5+ hours of open water with no visible landmarks), Newfoundland and Nova Scotia coastlines briefly visible during mid-flight descent phase, Gulf Stream waters, occasional cloud formations over the Atlantic