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JFK → AUS
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Austin Bergstrom International Airport (Austin)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more diverse sequence of geographic landmarks, including the Jersey coastline, major Appalachian ridges, and a clear crossing of the Mississippi River, while offering better lighting for afternoon flights.
Search flights from JFK to AUS
Jersey Shore
Shortly after takeoff, enjoy views of the New Jersey coastline and the Atlantic City boardwalk.
Philadelphia
Look for the distinctive skyscrapers of Center City and the winding Delaware River.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Fly over the scenic, rolling blue-hued ridges of the southern Appalachian range.
Nashville Skyline
Spot the 'Batman Building' and the Cumberland River as you pass over the capital of Tennessee.
Mississippi River
Cross the nation's largest river system near Memphis, showcasing massive oxbow lakes and barge traffic.
Texas Blackland Prairies
Observe the transition from the lush Mississippi Delta to the expansive, dark-soiled plains of Central Texas.
For the best experience, book an afternoon flight; sitting on the left side ensures the sun is behind the aircraft, reducing glare and improving photo quality of the Appalachian Mountains. If the flight arrives at Austin from the north (landing on Runway 36), the left side offers a stunning head-on view of the downtown Austin skyline and the University of Texas campus during the final descent. Watch for the 'confluence' where the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers approach each other mid-flight.
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Get eSIMs for United States
Manhattan Skyline
If the flight departs to the north, the right side offers an unparalleled view of the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Susquehanna River
Cross the wide, shallow waters of one of the oldest river systems in the world in Pennsylvania.
Allegheny Mountains
View the rugged, densely forested plateau regions of the central Appalachians.
Ozark National Forest
Observe the dramatic ridges and deep valleys of the Ozark Mountains while crossing Arkansas.
Lake Travis
On the descent into Austin, look for the bright blue, serpentine waters of this popular Hill Country reservoir.
Austin Hill Country
See the transition from the flat coastal plains to the rolling limestone hills west of the city.
The right side is high-risk, high-reward; it is the only side that catches the Manhattan skyline on departure, but this depends entirely on JFK's active runway configuration (usually Runway 31L). In the morning, this side will be quite sunny, so keep your window shade partially down until you reach the Ozarks. If landing to the south in Austin, the right side is superior for viewing the Texas Hill Country and the Circuit of the Americas track in the distance.
Book Hotels in AustinDistance: 2,445 km (1,519 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 16 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: AUS (30.194499969482425, -97.6698989868164)
Route Type: Domestic
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