About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Uturoa (RFP) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raiatea Island to New York. While landing views favor the left, the takeoff from Raiatea offers more dramatic and distinctive natural scenery. The volcanic peaks and lagoon system of the Society Islands provide superior visual interest compared to the urban sprawl of the New York approach. Right-side seats capture the most memorable portion of this long transpacific flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Uturoa in Raiatea Island?
During takeoff from Uturoa (RFP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Raiatea's dramatic volcanic peaks and the surrounding lagoon system as the aircraft climbs. The island's interior ridgeline and fringing coral reef are most visible on the right bank during northeastward departure. Notable sights include: Mount Tefatua (3,960 ft), Raiatea's main volcanic peak; the turquoise lagoon and barrier reef system; Tahaa Island to the northwest; the Society Islands archipelago chain extending toward the horizon.
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 Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide the best views during the approach to JFK. Aircraft typically descend over Long Island Sound and the New York metropolitan area from the northeast, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of Manhattan's skyline, the East River, and the approach corridor over Queens and Brooklyn. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Central Park; East River and Hudson River; Long Island Sound; Queens and Brooklyn urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Raiatea Island to New York?
The flight from Uturoa (RFP) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 15.5 to 16.5 hours (including typical routing via Hawaii or the US West Coast).
What does the Raiatea Island to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the central Pacific Ocean with no significant landmarks for roughly 8-10 hours. Depending on routing, aircraft may pass near or over the Hawaiian Islands (Big Island's Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes visible on clear days), the California coast near San Francisco or Los Angeles, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range during the continental crossing. The Great Plains and Mississippi River valley appear during the final descent toward the East Coast.