About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to New York. While the SFO takeoff favors the right side, the transcontinental cruise crosses the Sierra Nevada, Rockies, and Great Plains best viewed from the left/north-facing side on this eastbound routing, and the JFK approach delivers a strong Manhattan skyline view on the left, giving it the edge overall.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SFO to the east, the right side gets the initial banking view over San Francisco Bay, the East Bay hills, and often a glimpse back at the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge as the plane climbs and turns eastward. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, Oakland skyline, Berkeley hills.
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. Arriving JFK from the west, the left side typically offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River, and Long Island's coastline just before touchdown, a dramatic contrast to the flat approach on the right. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to New York?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes 5h 30m.
What does the San Francisco to New York flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada mountains, Great Salt Lake, Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, and the Mississippi River are typically visible along this transcontinental route depending on the exact flight path.