Left side wins both ends of the flight — the spectacular Sint Maarten lagoon and island geography on departure, and the iconic New York Harbor approach on arrival. The right side offers open Atlantic for most of the journey with no comparable payoff at either end.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northwest over the northeastern Caribbean, passing near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola visible as large landmasses in the early climb phase. The route then crosses the open Atlantic for the majority of the flight with no land visible. The Bahamas archipelago may appear distantly to the west depending on routing. The US coastline reappears near Cape Hatteras or the Outer Banks of North Carolina, followed by the Delaware Peninsula and Delaware Bay before the New York metropolitan area comes into view.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SXM
LEFTPrincess Juliana's primary runway 10/28 means departures heading west-northwest give the left side a direct view back over Simpson Bay Lagoon, the Dutch-French border ridge, and the full sweep of Sint Maarten's southern coastline. The right side faces open ocean immediately.
Landing at EWR
LEFTEWR's primary arrival runway 22L means aircraft approach from the northeast over New York Harbor, giving left-side passengers a direct view of Lower Manhattan, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. Right side faces inland New Jersey suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Princess Juliana International (SXM) to Newark Liberty International (EWR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philipsburg to Newark. Left side wins both ends of the flight — the spectacular Sint Maarten lagoon and island geography on departure, and the iconic New York Harbor approach on arrival. The right side offers open Atlantic for most of the journey with no comparable payoff at either end.
What can I see during takeoff from Princess Juliana International in Philipsburg?
During takeoff from Princess Juliana International (SXM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Princess Juliana's primary runway 10/28 means departures heading west-northwest give the left side a direct view back over Simpson Bay Lagoon, the Dutch-French border ridge, and the full sweep of Sint Maarten's southern coastline. The right side faces open ocean immediately. Notable sights include: Simpson Bay Lagoon, Maho Beach and the famous approach corridor, Marigot Bay on the French side, Saint Barthélemy visible to the southeast.
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's primary arrival runway 22L means aircraft approach from the northeast over New York Harbor, giving left-side passengers a direct view of Lower Manhattan, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty. Right side faces inland New Jersey suburbs. Notable sights include: Lower Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from Philipsburg to Newark?
The flight from Princess Juliana International (SXM) to Newark Liberty International (EWR) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Philipsburg to Newark flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the northeastern Caribbean, passing near Puerto Rico and Hispaniola visible as large landmasses in the early climb phase. The route then crosses the open Atlantic for the majority of the flight with no land visible. The Bahamas archipelago may appear distantly to the west depending on routing. The US coastline reappears near Cape Hatteras or the Outer Banks of North Carolina, followed by the Delaware Peninsula and Delaware Bay before the New York metropolitan area comes into view.