About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from El Salvador International (SAL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Salvador to New York. The right side delivers the most dramatic scenery at departure with El Salvador's volcanic chain and Lake Coatepeque caldera, which are genuinely spectacular and unique. The landing views from either side at JFK are relatively flat and urban, so the volcanic highlands at takeoff tip the balance decisively to the right side for the overall experience.
What can I see during takeoff from El Salvador International in San Salvador?
During takeoff from El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Right side for the best views. SAL's primary departure runway 07 sends aircraft northeast over the coastal plain, then climbing over the volcanic highlands. The right side faces north toward the Apaneca-Ilamatepec volcanic chain including Santa Ana volcano, the highest peak in El Salvador, clearly visible as a classic cone rising above the surrounding terrain. Notable sights include: Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) volcano, Lake Coatepeque caldera, San Salvador volcanic massif, Pacific coastal plain to the south.
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's primary arrival runway 22L brings aircraft in from the northeast over Long Island, tracking southwest. The left side faces southeast toward the Atlantic Ocean and the south shore of Long Island, but more importantly gives a clear view of lower Manhattan's skyline across Jamaica Bay as the aircraft descends over Queens. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Long Island south shore barrier beaches.
How long is the flight from San Salvador to New York?
The flight from El Salvador International (SAL) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What does the San Salvador to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over Guatemala and the Yucatan Peninsula, then across the Gulf of Mexico or Cuba depending on routing, followed by the Florida Straits, the Bahamas archipelago visible as shallow turquoise water and low sandy cays, then the deep blue of the Atlantic, the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a thin coastal strip, and finally the New Jersey coast and New York Harbor approach.