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AMS â JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (Amsterdam) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is typically superior for this westbound transatlantic route, offering high-contrast views of the Greenland ice cap, the rugged coast of Labrador, and the scenic transition into the North American continent.
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North Sea Islands
Bird's eye view of the Wadden Islands and the Dutch coastline shortly after takeoff from Schiphol.
Scottish Highlands
On more northerly tracks, you can spot the jagged peaks and deep lochs of Northern Scotland.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Spectacular views of massive glaciers, deep fjords, and the vast white expanse of the southern ice cap.
Labrador Coast
Rugged, desolate wilderness of Eastern Canada, often featuring seasonal icebergs floating in the sea.
New England Coastline
Aerial perspectives of the Massachusetts and Connecticut coastlines before descending into New York.
Book a seat forward of the wing to avoid engine glare and exhaust blur. Greenland is the crown jewel of this route; it typically appears 3.5 to 4.5 hours into the flight. Since most AMS-JFK flights depart in the morning, the left side faces south, providing excellent lighting for photos of northern features without direct solar glare in your window.
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Dutch Polders
Clear views of the geometric agricultural patterns and reclaimed land around Amsterdam.
English Channel
Frequent views of the busy shipping lanes and the white cliffs of the UK southern coast.
North Atlantic Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the horizon, perfect for observing the curvature of the Earth and cloud formations.
Long Island Beaches
Detailed views of the Hamptons, Fire Island, and the sandy stretches of the South Shore during descent.
Manhattan Skyline
Depending on the landing pattern, the right side often gets a distant but iconic view of the Manhattan skyscrapers.
Be prepared for significant sunlight exposure; as you fly west, the sun will be on the southern side of the aircraft for the duration of the trip. Close your shades periodically to avoid cabin heat. This side is better if the flight path tracks further south, potentially offering views of the Irish coast.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 5,848 km (3,634 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 53 min
Departure: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: International
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