The outbound leg from Thessaloniki offers more dramatic and varied scenery—the Aegean coastline, Greek mountains, and Mediterranean geography are visually distinctive. The landing into JFK is urban and less scenic. Left side captures the more memorable portion of this transatlantic route.
Flown SKG to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Thessaloniki to New York is 4,780 miles (7,693 km), a flight of about 11 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Albanian and Serbian mountains visible during early climb), then the Adriatic Sea, southern Italy (Apennine Mountains and Tyrrhenian coastline), Sicily, and the central Mediterranean. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers open ocean with occasional ship traffic visible. As the aircraft approaches North America, Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes appear on the horizon before the final descent toward the US Northeast coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SKG
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Thermaic Gulf and the Olympus massif to the southwest. The aircraft departs northwestward initially, so left-side passengers see the coastline and mountain backdrop that define Thessaloniki's geography.
Landing at JFK
RIGHTRight side provides views of the Atlantic coast and major northeastern US geography during descent into JFK. The approach path brings aircraft over Long Island Sound and the New York metropolitan area from the northeast, making the right side ideal for seeing the Hudson River, Manhattan, and the New Jersey coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Makedonia (SKG) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Thessaloniki to New York. The outbound leg from Thessaloniki offers more dramatic and varied scenery—the Aegean coastline, Greek mountains, and Mediterranean geography are visually distinctive. The landing into JFK is urban and less scenic. Left side captures the more memorable portion of this transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Makedonia in Thessaloniki?
During takeoff from Makedonia (SKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Thermaic Gulf and the Olympus massif to the southwest. The aircraft departs northwestward initially, so left-side passengers see the coastline and mountain backdrop that define Thessaloniki's geography. Notable sights include: Thermaic Gulf (Thermaikos Kolpos), Mount Olympus (2,918 m, visible as a distant peak southwest), Thessaloniki city grid and harbor, Pieria mountain range.
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 the Atlantic coast and major northeastern US geography during descent into JFK. The approach path brings aircraft over Long Island Sound and the New York metropolitan area from the northeast, making the right side ideal for seeing the Hudson River, Manhattan, and the New Jersey coastline. Notable sights include: Long Island Sound, Manhattan skyline and Hudson River, New York Harbor and Statue of Liberty area, Queens and Brooklyn urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Thessaloniki to New York?
The flight from Makedonia (SKG) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 11 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,780 miles (7,693 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Thessaloniki to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Balkans (Albanian and Serbian mountains visible during early climb), then the Adriatic Sea, southern Italy (Apennine Mountains and Tyrrhenian coastline), Sicily, and the central Mediterranean. The mid-Atlantic crossing offers open ocean with occasional ship traffic visible. As the aircraft approaches North America, Newfoundland and the Canadian Maritimes appear on the horizon before the final descent toward the US Northeast coast.