Left side wins both ends of this flight. You get the Panama Canal and Pacific coast on departure, and the full Manhattan and New York Harbor panorama on arrival. The right side offers Caribbean coastline glimpses mid-flight but nothing that competes with these two bookend views.
Flown PTY to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Panama City to Newark is 2,208 miles (3,553 km), a flight of about 5 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks north-northeast over the Caribbean Sea, passing east of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, then over the western Caribbean. Cuba's eastern tip may be visible on the left in clear conditions. The flight then crosses the Bahamas archipelago — the shallow turquoise banks and scattered cays are vivid from altitude — before crossing the Gulf Stream and making landfall over Florida or the Carolinas. The US Eastern Seaboard then runs up the right side toward New York.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PTY
LEFTTocumen typically departs northeast on runway 03L/03R. A left (west) seat gives you Panama City's skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal as you climb out and bank north. The canal itself cuts clearly across the isthmus and is unmistakable from altitude.
Landing at EWR
LEFTEWR approaches from the south or southwest on runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind. A left seat on the typical southbound approach over New Jersey gives you Manhattan's skyline directly ahead and to the left, with the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay clearly visible. This is one of the most dramatic urban approach views in aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tocumen International (PTY) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Panama City to Newark. Left side wins both ends of this flight. You get the Panama Canal and Pacific coast on departure, and the full Manhattan and New York Harbor panorama on arrival. The right side offers Caribbean coastline glimpses mid-flight but nothing that competes with these two bookend views.
What can I see during takeoff from Tocumen International in Panama City?
During takeoff from Tocumen International (PTY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Tocumen typically departs northeast on runway 03L/03R. A left (west) seat gives you Panama City's skyline, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal as you climb out and bank north. The canal itself cuts clearly across the isthmus and is unmistakable from altitude. Notable sights include: Panama City skyline (Punta Pacifica towers), Pacific entrance to Panama Canal, Bridge of the Americas, Miraflores Locks.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR approaches from the south or southwest on runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind. A left seat on the typical southbound approach over New Jersey gives you Manhattan's skyline directly ahead and to the left, with the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, and Upper New York Bay clearly visible. This is one of the most dramatic urban approach views in aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty and Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from Panama City to Newark?
The flight from Tocumen International (PTY) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,208 miles (3,553 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Panama City to Newark flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northeast over the Caribbean Sea, passing east of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, then over the western Caribbean. Cuba's eastern tip may be visible on the left in clear conditions. The flight then crosses the Bahamas archipelago — the shallow turquoise banks and scattered cays are vivid from altitude — before crossing the Gulf Stream and making landfall over Florida or the Carolinas. The US Eastern Seaboard then runs up the right side toward New York.