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 the takeoff offers dramatic volcanic scenery, the landing approach provides more visually engaging views of one of the world's most recognizable urban landscapes. The Hudson River, East River, and Manhattan skyline are iconic and consistently visible, whereas the midpoint Atlantic crossing offers only open ocean.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the distinctive volcanic landscape immediately west and southwest of the airport. The climb-out path typically heads northwest over Faxa Bay before turning toward the Atlantic, giving left-side passengers the best vantage of Iceland's geothermal terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjavik city center and harbor, Faxa Bay coastline, Mount Esja (north across the bay), lava fields and geothermal areas around Reykjanes Peninsula.
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. Right-side seats provide views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the approach corridor over Long Island Sound and the New York metropolitan area. The standard approach to JFK from the northeast gives right-side passengers direct views of the East River, Brooklyn, and Queens as the aircraft descends. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, East River and Brooklyn waterfront, Long Island Sound, Queens and outer boroughs.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to New York?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Reykjavik to New York flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Atlantic with no significant visible landmarks during the midpoint. Passengers will see only open ocean, occasional icebergs in spring/early summer months (visible as white specks from altitude), and cloud formations. The flight path passes south of Greenland and north of the Canadian Maritimes, but these landmasses remain beyond the horizon or obscured by cloud cover on typical routing.