Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to New York. Right-side seats offer superior views on both legs: Shanghai's Huangpu River and skyline during departure, and Manhattan's iconic East River and skyline cluster during approach. The left side of this westbound transpacific route faces less distinctive terrain on both ends.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. PVG typically departs eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Right-side seats face north across the Huangpu River and Pudong district, offering views of Shanghai's skyline and the river's bend. Left seats face south toward industrial areas and less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (distinctive S-curve through Shanghai), Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui financial district skyline, Yangtze River estuary mudflats to the northeast, Hangzhou Bay to the southeast.

When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. LGA typically lands westbound (Runways 04/22, with 04 being primary for westbound arrivals). Right-side seats on approach from the east provide views of the East River, Manhattan's southern tip, and the Hudson River. Left seats see Queens and less iconic terrain. Notable sights include: East River and Hell Gate strait, Manhattan skyline (Empire State Building, Chrysler Building visible in cluster), Hudson River to the west, Roosevelt Island and Astoria Queens to the north.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to La Guardia (LGA) takes Approximately 15.5 to 16 hours block time.

The flight path crosses the North Pacific, passing north of Japan (Hokkaido visible on some routes during initial climb), then over the Aleutian Islands region, across the Bering Sea, and over Alaska's interior. The Arctic Circle is crossed at roughly the midpoint. Depending on exact routing and season, the Aleutian chain, the Bering Strait region, and the Brooks Range in northern Alaska may be visible during daylight portions. The route then descends across Canada (typically over British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies before reaching the continental US). Most of the Pacific crossing occurs at night for eastbound flights, limiting landmark visibility for the majority of the journey.