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HNL β JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Daniel K Inouye International Airport (Honolulu) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the iconic Oahu coastline during departure, the dramatic Cascades or Northern Rockies mid-flight, and is the prime side for the Manhattan skyline during the JFK approach.
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Oahu North Shore
Aerial views of the legendary surf breaks and the lush KoΚ»olau Range immediately after takeoff.
Mount Shasta
A stunning view of the 14,179-foot volcanic peak as the flight crosses the California-Oregon border.
Grand Tetons & Yellowstone
On more northerly routes, witness the sharp peaks of the Tetons and the thermal basins of Wyoming.
Chicago Skyline
The flight path often passes just north of the city, offering a view of the Willis Tower over Lake Michigan.
Manhattan Skyline
During standard approaches from the west, the Left Side captures the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Hudson River
A final view of the George Washington Bridge and the Upper West Side before descending into Queens.
Sit on the left (Port) for the best chance of seeing the New York City skyline during the 'Parkway' or 'Expressway' visual approaches into JFK. Since this is an eastbound red-eye or long day flight, the left side avoids direct southern sun glare, making it easier to take photos of the mountains over the Rockies. Watch for the dramatic change from the Pacific blue to the snowy peaks of the West Coast around 5 hours into the flight.
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Diamond Head
An unbeatable view of the iconic volcanic tuff cone and Waikiki Beach during the initial climb.
Molokai & Maui
Glimpse the sea cliffs of Molokai and the Haleakala crater as you leave the Hawaiian island chain.
Sierra Nevada
View the rugged granite peaks and high-altitude lakes of Yosemite National Park and eastern California.
Great Salt Lake
The stark contrast of the white salt flats and the turquoise waters of Utah's massive inland sea.
Long Island Sound
Views of the Connecticut coastline and the affluent Gold Coast mansions of northern Long Island.
The right side is the 'Island Side' during departure; you will see Molokai, Maui, and potentially the Big Island in the distance. However, be aware that on afternoon departures, the right side will face the sun for most of the transcontinental crossing, which may require closing the window shade to stay cool. If the flight approaches JFK from the Atlantic (Runway 4L/R), the right side offers views of the beaches of the Rockaways.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 8,007 km (4,975 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 25 min
Departure: HNL (21.32062, -157.924228)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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