Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh (pennsylva) to New York. Left side wins at both ends of this short eastbound flight. You get the Pittsburgh three-rivers confluence on departure and the Jamaica Bay and distant Manhattan skyline on approach. The right side offers little of comparable interest at either airport.

During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Left side for the best views. PIT typically departs eastbound on runway 28R/10L or uses runways oriented toward the east. Climbing out eastbound, the left (north) side gives you a clear view back over downtown Pittsburgh, the confluence of the three rivers — the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio — and the distinctive triangular Point State Park. The right side faces south toward less distinctive suburban terrain. Notable sights include: Confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers at The Point; downtown Pittsburgh skyline; PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium along the rivers; the Allegheny River valley cutting northeast.

When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. JFK approaches from the west or southwest on runways 13L/R or 22L/R depending on wind. On a typical westerly approach to runway 13L/R, the left side tracks along the south shore of Long Island and then swings over Jamaica Bay, giving clear views of the Manhattan skyline to the north and the broad expanse of Jamaica Bay directly below. The right side faces south toward the open Atlantic. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline visible to the north across Jamaica Bay; Jamaica Bay and its barrier islands directly below; Rockaway Peninsula; the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge visible to the northwest.

The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

The flight tracks roughly due east across Pennsylvania, crossing the Allegheny Mountains — specifically the Ridge and Valley province with its distinctive parallel ridgelines visible as long linear forested folds — then the Susquehanna River valley, followed by the flatter terrain of southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey before descending toward the coast.