About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Greater Rochester International (ROC) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Rochester to New York. Left side wins both ends of this flight. At takeoff you get Lake Ontario and the Rochester urban layout; at landing you get the Manhattan skyline and Jamaica Bay on approach to JFK. The right side offers mainly Long Island's undifferentiated suburban interior on descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Greater Rochester International in Rochester?
During takeoff from Greater Rochester International (ROC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Rochester typically departs southeast on runway 28/10 or 22/4. A southeast departure on runway 4 puts Lake Ontario directly off the left (north) side during the climbing turn. You get a clear view of the lake's southern shoreline and the city of Rochester below before the aircraft tracks toward the Finger Lakes region. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario southern shoreline, downtown Rochester grid, Genesee River corridor cutting through the city, initial glimpse of Seneca or Cayuga Lake to the southeast.
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. JFK approaches are predominantly from the west or southwest on runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R. On a typical approach from the northwest tracking southeast, the left side faces Manhattan and the Upper Bay. You get a prolonged view of the Manhattan skyline, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and Jamaica Bay as the aircraft descends over Long Island. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay and its wildlife refuge grid of channels, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Long Island suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Rochester to New York?
The flight from Greater Rochester International (ROC) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 55 to 70 minutes.
What does the Rochester to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast across the Southern Tier of New York State. Expect views of the Finger Lakes region shortly after departure — Seneca and Cayuga Lakes are long narrow features easily spotted from altitude. The Catskill Mountains appear as a broad elevated plateau in the middle portion of the flight, rising to around 4,000 feet and visible as a distinct upland mass contrasting with the flatter Hudson Valley to the east. The Hudson River itself is briefly visible before the aircraft begins its descent toward Long Island.