While the takeoff offers excellent Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus views, the landing approach to JFK provides more dramatic and varied scenery—Jamaica Bay's distinctive shallow waters, the contrast between ocean and dense urban development, and glimpses of Manhattan make the right side the stronger choice overall.
Flown SAW to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to New York is 5,027 miles (8,090 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible from either side depending on exact routing), then proceeds over southeastern Europe. Notable features include the Carpathian Mountains in Romania (distant views, typically on the left/north side), the Balkans, and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see Greenland's southern tip or the Canadian Maritimes depending on the specific great-circle routing chosen by the airline. The flight typically follows a northerly arc across the Atlantic, offering views of open ocean for the majority of the transatlantic portion.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Sea of Marmara immediately after departure, with the Asian side of Istanbul visible below. The aircraft climbs northwestward over water and the Bosphorus strait region, providing continuous water and coastal views.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTRight side provides views of Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, and the approach path over New York's outer boroughs. As the aircraft descends toward JFK, the right side captures the East River, Jamaica Bay, and the distinctive geography of Queens and Brooklyn.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to New York. While the takeoff offers excellent Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus views, the landing approach to JFK provides more dramatic and varied scenery—Jamaica Bay's distinctive shallow waters, the contrast between ocean and dense urban development, and glimpses of Manhattan make the right side the stronger choice overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Sea of Marmara immediately after departure, with the Asian side of Istanbul visible below. The aircraft climbs northwestward over water and the Bosphorus strait region, providing continuous water and coastal views. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul urban sprawl (Pendik and Kartal districts), Prince Islands archipelago.
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. Right side provides views of Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, and the approach path over New York's outer boroughs. As the aircraft descends toward JFK, the right side captures the East River, Jamaica Bay, and the distinctive geography of Queens and Brooklyn. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Connecticut coastline, Jamaica Bay, East River and Manhattan skyline (distant).
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to New York?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,027 miles (8,090 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible from either side depending on exact routing), then proceeds over southeastern Europe. Notable features include the Carpathian Mountains in Romania (distant views, typically on the left/north side), the Balkans, and eventually the Atlantic Ocean. Over the Atlantic, passengers may see Greenland's southern tip or the Canadian Maritimes depending on the specific great-circle routing chosen by the airline. The flight typically follows a northerly arc across the Atlantic, offering views of open ocean for the majority of the transatlantic portion.