While the takeoff offers Puerto Rico's coastal scenery, the landing provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the vast pampas landscape—geographically distinctive features that dominate the final approach to Argentina. The right side captures the most visually striking portion of this long transoceanic route.
Flown SJU to NEC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Juan to Necochea is 3,961 miles (6,375 km), a flight of about 10 hours.
This route crosses the entire Atlantic Ocean. Notable features along the path include: the Caribbean Sea and its scattered island chains (visible during early climb), the open Atlantic with no significant landmarks for roughly 6-7 hours of flight, the South American coastline approaching Brazil (if visible during daylight), and the gradual transition from tropical/subtropical waters to the cooler Atlantic waters off Argentina's coast. The flight typically follows a great-circle route southwestward, passing east of the Bahamas and Caribbean islands, then crossing open ocean before approaching the South American continent near the Río de la Plata region.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SJU
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and the northeastern Puerto Rico shelf as the aircraft climbs westward. You'll see the transition from San Juan's urban sprawl to open ocean and the island's irregular northern coast.
Landing at NEC
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the Buenos Aires coastal region during descent into Necochea. The wide, distinctive muddy-brown waters of the estuary and the flat pampas landscape are striking from altitude.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) to Necochea Airport (NEC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Juan to Necochea. While the takeoff offers Puerto Rico's coastal scenery, the landing provides more dramatic and sustained views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the vast pampas landscape—geographically distinctive features that dominate the final approach to Argentina. The right side captures the most visually striking portion of this long transoceanic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan?
During takeoff from Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Atlantic coastline and the northeastern Puerto Rico shelf as the aircraft climbs westward. You'll see the transition from San Juan's urban sprawl to open ocean and the island's irregular northern coast. Notable sights include: San Juan metropolitan area (urban grid below), Atlantic Ocean, Puerto Rico's northern coastline, El Yunque National Forest ridge (distant southwest).
What can I see when landing at Necochea Airport in Necochea?
When landing at Necochea Airport (NEC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the Río de la Plata estuary and the Buenos Aires coastal region during descent into Necochea. The wide, distinctive muddy-brown waters of the estuary and the flat pampas landscape are striking from altitude. Notable sights include: Río de la Plata estuary (muddy brown waters), Buenos Aires metropolitan area (distant north), Atlantic coastline south of Buenos Aires, flat pampas terrain.
How long is the flight from San Juan to Necochea?
The flight from Luis Munoz Marin International (SJU) to Necochea Airport (NEC) takes about 10 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,961 miles (6,375 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Juan to Necochea flight path pass over?
This route crosses the entire Atlantic Ocean. Notable features along the path include: the Caribbean Sea and its scattered island chains (visible during early climb), the open Atlantic with no significant landmarks for roughly 6-7 hours of flight, the South American coastline approaching Brazil (if visible during daylight), and the gradual transition from tropical/subtropical waters to the cooler Atlantic waters off Argentina's coast. The flight typically follows a great-circle route southwestward, passing east of the Bahamas and Caribbean islands, then crossing open ocean before approaching the South American continent near the Río de la Plata region.