The right side wins at takeoff for the Pacific coast views, but the left side delivers the Manhattan skyline on approach to EWR, which is one of the most iconic landing views in the US. Across the full flight heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Colorado Rockies during the cruise portion. The EWR arrival view tips the balance to left overall.
Flown SNA to EWR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Santa Ana to Newark is 2,428 miles (3,908 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the Mojave Desert and then the Colorado River into Arizona, passes north of the Grand Canyon (visible as a faint canyon system from 35,000 ft on clear days on the left side), crosses the Rockies over Colorado or southern Utah with the San Juan and Wasatch ranges visible, then traverses the Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, crosses the Mississippi River near St. Louis, and passes over the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania before descending into the New York metro area.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SNA
RIGHTSNA's primary departure runway 20R sends aircraft southwest before turning east, and the right side gets the Pacific Ocean coastline of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach during the initial climb. As the aircraft banks northeast, the right side also picks up the Santa Ana Mountains and the broader inland valley.
Landing at EWR
LEFTEWR approaches from the southwest on runway 22L or from the east on runway 04R. On the common southwest approach, the left side faces Manhattan — you get a direct broadside view of the entire New York City skyline across the Hudson River as you descend over New Jersey. This is one of the most dramatic urban approach views in aviation.
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 John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Santa Ana to Newark. The right side wins at takeoff for the Pacific coast views, but the left side delivers the Manhattan skyline on approach to EWR, which is one of the most iconic landing views in the US. Across the full flight heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Colorado Rockies during the cruise portion. The EWR arrival view tips the balance to left overall.
What can I see during takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co in Santa Ana?
During takeoff from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SNA's primary departure runway 20R sends aircraft southwest before turning east, and the right side gets the Pacific Ocean coastline of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach during the initial climb. As the aircraft banks northeast, the right side also picks up the Santa Ana Mountains and the broader inland valley. Notable sights include: Newport Beach coastline and harbor, Santa Ana Mountains, Saddleback Mountain (Santiago Peak), Catalina Island on the horizon to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Newark Liberty International in Newark?
When landing at Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR approaches from the southwest on runway 22L or from the east on runway 04R. On the common southwest approach, the left side faces Manhattan — you get a direct broadside view of the entire New York City skyline across the Hudson River as you descend over New Jersey. This is one of the most dramatic urban approach views in aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline across the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Upper New York Bay.
How long is the flight from Santa Ana to Newark?
The flight from John Wayne Arpt Orange Co (SNA) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,428 miles (3,908 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Santa Ana to Newark flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Mojave Desert and then the Colorado River into Arizona, passes north of the Grand Canyon (visible as a faint canyon system from 35,000 ft on clear days on the left side), crosses the Rockies over Colorado or southern Utah with the San Juan and Wasatch ranges visible, then traverses the Great Plains of Kansas and Missouri, crosses the Mississippi River near St. Louis, and passes over the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania before descending into the New York metro area.