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JFK β CDG
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (Paris)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the departure from the US East Coast, the rugged coastline of the Canadian Maritimes, potential Aurora Borealis displays during the night, and a scenic arrival over the English Channel and Normandy.
NYC & Long Island
Stunning aerial views of the Manhattan skyline and the elongated shape of Long Island immediately after departure.
Cape Cod
The distinctive hook-shaped peninsula of Massachusetts is often visible during the initial climb.
Nova Scotia Coastline
Rugged landscapes and deep blue waters of the Canadian Maritimes as the plane heads toward the Atlantic.
Aurora Borealis
On night flights during winter months, the northern horizon may glow with the greens and purples of the Northern Lights.
Irish Coastline
The first sighting of Europe often includes the lush green cliffs and rolling hills of Southern Ireland.
Normandy Coast
Breathtaking views of the D-Day beaches and the historic coastline of Northern France during the descent.
Choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A' seats) to maximize land views. For night flights, this side faces north, offering the only chance to see the Aurora Borealis. During the final 30 minutes of flight, keep your camera ready for the French coastline. Use a tracking app to identify specific historical landmarks along the Normandy coast before the final turn toward CDG.
Atlantic Sunrise
Spectacular colors as the sun rises over the horizon during the overnight crossing.
Transatlantic Shipping
View of the vast, open ocean where major cargo ships can occasionally be spotted below.
French Countryside
Expansive views of the patchwork fields and rural villages of the Γle-de-France region.
Parisian Suburbs
As the plane aligns for landing, the sprawling architecture of the Paris metro area becomes visible.
The right side (usually 'K' or 'L' seats) is the 'sunny side' during the morning approach into Paris. This makes it ideal for sunrise photography but can lead to significant glare; keep your window shade partially closed to manage brightness. On specific arrival patterns, you might catch a distant glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, though this is highly dependent on air traffic control routing.
Distance: 5,834 km (3,625 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 52 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: CDG (49.012798, 2.55)
Route Type: International
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