While the San Diego takeoff favors the right side, the left side wins overall thanks to distant views of the Rocky Mountain foothills and Grand Canyon region during cruise plus the Manhattan skyline on the JFK approach, giving it more varied and dramatic scenery across the full flight.
Flight Path
Southern Arizona desert and the Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon, the Rio Grande valley and Sangre de Cristo foothills of New Mexico, the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Texas and Oklahoma, and the forested ridges of the Appalachian Mountains over West Virginia and Pennsylvania before the descent into the New York area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
RIGHTDeparting Runway 27, the jet climbs west over San Diego Bay and then banks right (north) to turn onto its easterly heading, putting downtown San Diego's skyline, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma directly under the right-side windows during the turn.
Landing at JFK
LEFTOn the standard arrival flow into Runway 22L/22R, aircraft fly a downwind leg over the south shore of Long Island before turning onto final approach, giving left-side passengers a distant but clear view of the Manhattan skyline across Jamaica Bay.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to New York. While the San Diego takeoff favors the right side, the left side wins overall thanks to distant views of the Rocky Mountain foothills and Grand Canyon region during cruise plus the Manhattan skyline on the JFK approach, giving it more varied and dramatic scenery across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Runway 27, the jet climbs west over San Diego Bay and then banks right (north) to turn onto its easterly heading, putting downtown San Diego's skyline, Coronado Bridge, and Point Loma directly under the right-side windows during the turn. Notable sights include: San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, downtown San Diego skyline, Point Loma 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 Left side for the best views. On the standard arrival flow into Runway 22L/22R, aircraft fly a downwind leg over the south shore of Long Island before turning onto final approach, giving left-side passengers a distant but clear view of the Manhattan skyline across Jamaica Bay. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Jamaica Bay wetlands, Rockaway barrier beaches, Atlantic coastline.
How long is the flight from San Diego to New York?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 5h 05m.
What does the San Diego to New York flight path pass over?
Southern Arizona desert and the Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon, the Rio Grande valley and Sangre de Cristo foothills of New Mexico, the flat expanse of the Great Plains across Texas and Oklahoma, and the forested ridges of the Appalachian Mountains over West Virginia and Pennsylvania before the descent into the New York area.