While the takeoff favors the left with volcanic scenery, the right side offers a longer stretch of varied coastal views — Gulf of Mexico shoreline, Florida coastline, and Atlantic seaboard cities — culminating in the Manhattan skyline on approach, giving it a slight edge over the full flight.
Flown SAL to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Salvador to New York is 2,094 miles (3,369 km), a flight of about 5 hours 10 minutes.
Guatemalan and Honduran highlands, Yucatan Peninsula coastline, Gulf of Mexico, Florida peninsula, Atlantic seaboard from Georgia to New Jersey
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAL
LEFTDeparting SAL, the initial climb and turn north give left-side passengers a view of the San Salvador volcano complex and Lake Ilopango, with the Pacific coastline receding behind. The right side mostly shows open Pacific water at this stage.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTOn approach into JFK from the south, right-side passengers typically get a clear view of the Manhattan skyline and Upper Bay before the final turn onto the runway, while the left side faces mostly Long Island suburbs and open water.
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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. While the takeoff favors the left with volcanic scenery, the right side offers a longer stretch of varied coastal views — Gulf of Mexico shoreline, Florida coastline, and Atlantic seaboard cities — culminating in the Manhattan skyline on approach, giving it a slight edge over the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from El Salvador International in San Salvador?
During takeoff from El Salvador International (SAL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SAL, the initial climb and turn north give left-side passengers a view of the San Salvador volcano complex and Lake Ilopango, with the Pacific coastline receding behind. The right side mostly shows open Pacific water at this stage. Notable sights include: San Salvador Volcano (Boquerón), Lake Ilopango, San Salvador city, Pacific coastline.
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. On approach into JFK from the south, right-side passengers typically get a clear view of the Manhattan skyline and Upper Bay before the final turn onto the runway, while the left side faces mostly Long Island suburbs and open water. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay.
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 about 5 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,094 miles (3,369 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Salvador to New York flight path pass over?
Guatemalan and Honduran highlands, Yucatan Peninsula coastline, Gulf of Mexico, Florida peninsula, Atlantic seaboard from Georgia to New Jersey