Left side wins both ends of the flight. Departure offers the best views of the Virgin Islands chain and Charlotte Amalie harbor, and arrival delivers the Jamaica Bay approach with the Manhattan skyline on the horizon. The mid-flight Atlantic crossing is largely featureless ocean on both sides.
Flown STT to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Thomas to New York is 1,627 miles (2,619 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
The flight tracks north-northeast over the open Atlantic, passing east of the Bahamas archipelago visible as faint low sandy cays in the early portion of the flight. The Gulf Stream is not visually distinct from altitude. The Carolina and Virginia coastlines may be briefly visible on the left side in the latter half of the flight as the route approaches the US East Coast near Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks before turning northwest toward New York.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from STT
LEFTSTT's runway 10/28 means departures typically head east or west. Northbound departures to JFK often involve a left turn climbing out over Charlotte Amalie harbor and the main body of St. Thomas, giving left-side passengers a sweeping look back at the island chain. Right side faces open Atlantic early.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK arrivals from the south typically use runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R depending on winds. Approaching from the south-southwest, left-side passengers get views over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways, and lower Manhattan skyline in the distance, while right side looks toward the Atlantic and Long Island suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cyril E King (STT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Thomas to New York. Left side wins both ends of the flight. Departure offers the best views of the Virgin Islands chain and Charlotte Amalie harbor, and arrival delivers the Jamaica Bay approach with the Manhattan skyline on the horizon. The mid-flight Atlantic crossing is largely featureless ocean on both sides.
What can I see during takeoff from Cyril E King in St. Thomas?
During takeoff from Cyril E King (STT), sit on the Left side for the best views. STT's runway 10/28 means departures typically head east or west. Northbound departures to JFK often involve a left turn climbing out over Charlotte Amalie harbor and the main body of St. Thomas, giving left-side passengers a sweeping look back at the island chain. Right side faces open Atlantic early. Notable sights include: Charlotte Amalie harbor, St. John island to the east, the British Virgin Islands (Tortola, Virgin Gorda) visible to the northeast, Pillsbury Sound between St. Thomas and St. John.
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. JFK arrivals from the south typically use runways 13L/13R or 22L/22R depending on winds. Approaching from the south-southwest, left-side passengers get views over Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways, and lower Manhattan skyline in the distance, while right side looks toward the Atlantic and Long Island suburbs. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay and its wildlife refuge, the Manhattan skyline visible to the northwest, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Coney Island and the Rockaway Peninsula.
How long is the flight from St. Thomas to New York?
The flight from Cyril E King (STT) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,627 miles (2,619 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Thomas to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northeast over the open Atlantic, passing east of the Bahamas archipelago visible as faint low sandy cays in the early portion of the flight. The Gulf Stream is not visually distinct from altitude. The Carolina and Virginia coastlines may be briefly visible on the left side in the latter half of the flight as the route approaches the US East Coast near Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks before turning northwest toward New York.