Reykjavik to New York flight pathRKVJFK

Sit on the right side of the plane

Reverse

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time5h 35m
Distance2,609
Heading257° → 214°
Best side
RightMostly right
★ 2.5 left·★ 3.5 right

While takeoff favors the left with Reykjavik's coastal scenery, the right side wins overall thanks to potential glimpses of Greenland's southeastern glaciers during cruise and the standout Manhattan skyline view on final approach into JFK.

Takeoff · RKVLEFTReykjavik city and harbor, Faxaflói bay coastline, Bláfjöll volcanic hills
Landing · JFKRIGHTManhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck Bridge

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Denmark Strait, southeastern Greenland coastline and icecap (visible on clear days), Labrador Sea, North Atlantic open water

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Reykjavik (left side) — Reykjavik city and harbor, Faxaflói bay coastline, Bláfjöll volcanic hills, Reykjanes peninsula lava fields

Takeoff from RKV

LEFT

Departing RKV on runway 31 or 13, the initial turn typically swings the aircraft south over Reykjavik's coastline, giving left-side passengers views of the city, Faxaflói bay's southern shore, and the volcanic hills beyond the capital.

Reykjavik city and harborFaxaflói bay coastlineBláfjöll volcanic hillsReykjanes peninsula lava fields
Aerial window seat view during landing at New York (right side) — Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island's North Shore

Landing at JFK

RIGHT

JFK arrivals from the northeast typically track down over Long Island Sound before turning to align with runways 22L/22R, and during this turn the right side offers a clear view of the Manhattan skyline and the western Long Island shoreline.

Manhattan skylineLong Island SoundThrogs Neck BridgeLong Island's North Shore

Will your flight be in sunlight?

See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to New York. While takeoff favors the left with Reykjavik's coastal scenery, the right side wins overall thanks to potential glimpses of Greenland's southeastern glaciers during cruise and the standout Manhattan skyline view on final approach into JFK.

What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?

During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing RKV on runway 31 or 13, the initial turn typically swings the aircraft south over Reykjavik's coastline, giving left-side passengers views of the city, Faxaflói bay's southern shore, and the volcanic hills beyond the capital. Notable sights include: Reykjavik city and harbor, Faxaflói bay coastline, Bláfjöll volcanic hills, Reykjanes peninsula lava fields.

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 arrivals from the northeast typically track down over Long Island Sound before turning to align with runways 22L/22R, and during this turn the right side offers a clear view of the Manhattan skyline and the western Long Island shoreline. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck Bridge, Long Island's North Shore.

How long is the flight from Reykjavik to New York?

The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 5h 35m.

What does the Reykjavik to New York flight path pass over?

Denmark Strait, southeastern Greenland coastline and icecap (visible on clear days), Labrador Sea, North Atlantic open water