The left side wins overall because while the right side has the better takeoff view over the Gulf Coast barrier islands, the left side tracks the entire Eastern Seaboard during cruise — the Carolinas coastline, Cape Hatteras, Delaware Bay, and the New Jersey Shore are all visible — and delivers the iconic Jamaica Bay and Manhattan approach on landing.
Flown RSW to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Fort Myers to New York is 1,076 miles (1,732 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast up the Florida peninsula, crossing Lake Okeechobee (visible as a large dark circle), then over the Georgia and South Carolina coastal plain. The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Cape Hatteras are visible to the left. The flight crosses the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay before descending along the New Jersey Shore toward JFK.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RSW
RIGHTRSW typically departs northeast on runway 06, so the right (south) side looks out over the Charlotte Harbor estuary, Pine Island Sound, and the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva as you climb out. The Gulf of Mexico spreads wide to the southwest with the intricate mangrove coastline clearly visible.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK typically lands on runways 31L/31R from the southeast, meaning the left (south) side looks directly over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway Peninsula, and the Atlantic Ocean approach. You get a clear view of the Manhattan skyline in the distance to the northwest as you descend over the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Southwest Florida International (RSW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Fort Myers to New York. The left side wins overall because while the right side has the better takeoff view over the Gulf Coast barrier islands, the left side tracks the entire Eastern Seaboard during cruise — the Carolinas coastline, Cape Hatteras, Delaware Bay, and the New Jersey Shore are all visible — and delivers the iconic Jamaica Bay and Manhattan approach on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers?
During takeoff from Southwest Florida International (RSW), sit on the Right side for the best views. RSW typically departs northeast on runway 06, so the right (south) side looks out over the Charlotte Harbor estuary, Pine Island Sound, and the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva as you climb out. The Gulf of Mexico spreads wide to the southwest with the intricate mangrove coastline clearly visible. Notable sights include: Sanibel Island, Pine Island Sound, Charlotte Harbor, Cape Coral canal grid.
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 typically lands on runways 31L/31R from the southeast, meaning the left (south) side looks directly over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaway Peninsula, and the Atlantic Ocean approach. You get a clear view of the Manhattan skyline in the distance to the northwest as you descend over the water. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Manhattan skyline, Coney Island.
How long is the flight from Fort Myers to New York?
The flight from Southwest Florida International (RSW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,076 miles (1,732 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Fort Myers to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast up the Florida peninsula, crossing Lake Okeechobee (visible as a large dark circle), then over the Georgia and South Carolina coastal plain. The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Cape Hatteras are visible to the left. The flight crosses the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay before descending along the New Jersey Shore toward JFK.