Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise at 35,000 feet, the left side also faces generally south, giving views over the Canadian Rockies on departure, then the northern Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and eventually the Appalachians — all more visually interesting than the right side's more northerly and flatter terrain perspective.
Flight Path
Canadian Rockies (Banff and Jasper area peaks visible shortly after departure), Alberta and Saskatchewan prairies, Lake Superior's western shore, Lake Huron, Lake Erie's northern edge, the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and New York State on descent
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR's primary departure runway 08R/26L means eastbound departures typically roll east and climb over the Fraser River delta. A left (north-facing) seat gives you the city of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the Coast Mountains rising behind. Right seats look south over flat Richmond and the US border farmland.
Landing at JFK
LEFTJFK's primary arrival runways 31L/31R have aircraft approaching from the southeast over the Atlantic, turning over Jamaica Bay. Left seats face south and east, giving a clear view of Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways barrier beach, and lower Manhattan on the horizon to the northwest. Right seats look inland over Queens residential neighborhoods.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to New York. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the transcontinental cruise at 35,000 feet, the left side also faces generally south, giving views over the Canadian Rockies on departure, then the northern Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and eventually the Appalachians — all more visually interesting than the right side's more northerly and flatter terrain perspective.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR's primary departure runway 08R/26L means eastbound departures typically roll east and climb over the Fraser River delta. A left (north-facing) seat gives you the city of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the Coast Mountains rising behind. Right seats look south over flat Richmond and the US border farmland. Notable sights include: Downtown Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, Coast Mountains (including the Garibaldi massif), Fraser River delta.
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's primary arrival runways 31L/31R have aircraft approaching from the southeast over the Atlantic, turning over Jamaica Bay. Left seats face south and east, giving a clear view of Jamaica Bay, the Rockaways barrier beach, and lower Manhattan on the horizon to the northwest. Right seats look inland over Queens residential neighborhoods. Notable sights include: Jamaica Bay, Rockaway Peninsula, Lower Manhattan skyline (distant), Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to New York?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes westbound winds permitting; eastbound typically 5 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes.
What does the Vancouver to New York flight path pass over?
Canadian Rockies (Banff and Jasper area peaks visible shortly after departure), Alberta and Saskatchewan prairies, Lake Superior's western shore, Lake Huron, Lake Erie's northern edge, the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and New York State on descent