The right seat wins overall for the spectacular Queenstown departure — Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at low altitude is one of the most dramatic takeoff views in the Southern Hemisphere. The landing advantage on the left is real but more modest, and the transpacific cruise over the Pacific and North America offers limited differentiation between sides at cruising altitude.
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Flight Path
Queenstown International to New York is 9,333 miles (15,021 km), a flight of about 17 hours.
After departing New Zealand the route crosses the South Pacific Ocean, passing north of the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. The flight then crosses the equatorial Pacific, overflies Hawaii or passes to its north, then crosses the North Pacific toward the US West Coast. Depending on routing, the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains are visible during the North American overland segment, followed by the Great Plains, and eventually the Appalachians before descending into the New York area.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZQN
RIGHTQueenstown's runway 05/23 means departures heading northeast give the right side a direct view over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. The right seat looks straight down the lake's elongated S-shape with the jagged Remarkables escarpment rising sharply to the southeast.
Landing at JFK
LEFTFlights from the southwest typically approach JFK on runway 31L/31R heading northwest, or 22L/22R heading southwest. On a transpacific routing arriving from the west-northwest, the left side gets Manhattan's skyline, Upper New York Bay, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge during the approach over Long Island.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Queenstown (ZQN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Queenstown International to New York. The right seat wins overall for the spectacular Queenstown departure — Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at low altitude is one of the most dramatic takeoff views in the Southern Hemisphere. The landing advantage on the left is real but more modest, and the transpacific cruise over the Pacific and North America offers limited differentiation between sides at cruising altitude.
What can I see during takeoff from Queenstown in Queenstown International?
During takeoff from Queenstown (ZQN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Queenstown's runway 05/23 means departures heading northeast give the right side a direct view over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. The right seat looks straight down the lake's elongated S-shape with the jagged Remarkables escarpment rising sharply to the southeast. Notable sights include: Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables range, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak.
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. Flights from the southwest typically approach JFK on runway 31L/31R heading northwest, or 22L/22R heading southwest. On a transpacific routing arriving from the west-northwest, the left side gets Manhattan's skyline, Upper New York Bay, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge during the approach over Long Island. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Upper New York Bay, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Jamaica Bay.
How long is the flight from Queenstown International to New York?
The flight from Queenstown (ZQN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 17 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 9,333 miles (15,021 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Queenstown International to New York flight path pass over?
After departing New Zealand the route crosses the South Pacific Ocean, passing north of the Cook Islands and French Polynesia. The flight then crosses the equatorial Pacific, overflies Hawaii or passes to its north, then crosses the North Pacific toward the US West Coast. Depending on routing, the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains are visible during the North American overland segment, followed by the Great Plains, and eventually the Appalachians before descending into the New York area.