While takeoff offers volcanic island scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and recognizable landmarks—Jamaica Bay's unique geography and the Manhattan skyline make the arrival more visually rewarding than the departure over open ocean.
Flown PDL to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ponta Delgada to New York is 2,550 miles (4,105 km), a flight of about 5 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 45°N latitude. Notable features include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge system (not visible but directly below at cruise altitude), the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland, and the continental shelf break off the US East Coast. At cruise altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet), the curvature of the Atlantic is visible on clear days, with Greenland potentially visible as a distant landmass to the north on the left side during the mid-flight portion if weather permits.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDL
LEFTPDL typically departs runway 33 (northwest heading). Left seats face the Atlantic and capture the volcanic terrain of São Miguel island, including the distinctive crater lakes and the island's mountainous spine receding northwestward into the departure climb.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTJFK uses runways 4L/4R or 22L/22R depending on wind. For typical westerly approaches, aircraft descend from the northeast over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay. Right seats capture the approach path over water, the distinctive geometry of Jamaica Bay's islands, and the Manhattan skyline appearing on the horizon as you descend toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ponta Delgada to New York. While takeoff offers volcanic island scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and recognizable landmarks—Jamaica Bay's unique geography and the Manhattan skyline make the arrival more visually rewarding than the departure over open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Ponta Delgada in Ponta Delgada?
During takeoff from Ponta Delgada (PDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PDL typically departs runway 33 (northwest heading). Left seats face the Atlantic and capture the volcanic terrain of São Miguel island, including the distinctive crater lakes and the island's mountainous spine receding northwestward into the departure climb. Notable sights include: Lagoa de Santiago (crater lake south of airport), Pico da Vara (highest peak on São Miguel, visible as a distant ridge), Atlantic Ocean extending to the northwest, coastal cliffs along the northern 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. JFK uses runways 4L/4R or 22L/22R depending on wind. For typical westerly approaches, aircraft descend from the northeast over Long Island Sound and Jamaica Bay. Right seats capture the approach path over water, the distinctive geometry of Jamaica Bay's islands, and the Manhattan skyline appearing on the horizon as you descend toward the runway. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay with its barrier islands and salt marshes, Long Island Sound, Rockaway Peninsula, Manhattan skyline (distant but visible on final approach).
How long is the flight from Ponta Delgada to New York?
The flight from Ponta Delgada (PDL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 5 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,550 miles (4,105 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ponta Delgada to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at roughly 45°N latitude. Notable features include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge system (not visible but directly below at cruise altitude), the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland, and the continental shelf break off the US East Coast. At cruise altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet), the curvature of the Atlantic is visible on clear days, with Greenland potentially visible as a distant landmass to the north on the left side during the mid-flight portion if weather permits.