While the takeoff offers good Gatineau Hills views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenic value with the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River—iconic and visually striking features that make the left side the better overall choice for this route.
Flown YOW to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to New York is 337 miles (543 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Adirondack Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the left during cruise), then follows the Hudson River valley southward. Lake Champlain appears on the left side during the southern portion of cruise. The Catskill Mountains are visible on the left as the aircraft descends toward New York. The Delaware River valley marks the approach to the New York metropolitan area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward. The terrain is more visually interesting than the flat farmland to the left.
Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the approach over the East River and Queens. The urban landscape and water features are more dramatic than the right side's view of Long Island.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to New York. While the takeoff offers good Gatineau Hills views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides superior scenic value with the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and East River—iconic and visually striking features that make the left side the better overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
During takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley as the aircraft climbs southeastward. The terrain is more visually interesting than the flat farmland to the left. Notable sights include: Gatineau Hills (northwest), Ottawa River, Parliament Hill area, Rideau Canal.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, and the approach over the East River and Queens. The urban landscape and water features are more dramatic than the right side's view of Long Island. Notable sights include: Hudson River, Manhattan skyline, East River, Queens neighborhoods.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to New York?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 337 miles (543 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Adirondack Mountains (visible as a distant ridge on the left during cruise), then follows the Hudson River valley southward. Lake Champlain appears on the left side during the southern portion of cruise. The Catskill Mountains are visible on the left as the aircraft descends toward New York. The Delaware River valley marks the approach to the New York metropolitan area.