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JFK → GIG
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Rio Galeão – Tom Jobim International Airport (Rio De Janeiro)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most iconic arrival experience, featuring a spectacular Atlantic sunrise and the best views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain upon the approach to Rio.
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Atlantic Sunrise
As most flights are overnight, the left side offers a stunning sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean as you cross the equator.
Caribbean Archipelagos
Distant views of the Lesser Antilles and the turquoise waters of the eastern Caribbean.
Guanabara Bay
A sweeping view of the massive bay and the Niterói Bridge during the descent into Galeão.
Sugarloaf Mountain
The iconic granite peak of Pão de Açúcar is often visible to the left when the plane enters the bay area.
Select a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion during the sunrise. Since this is typically a red-eye flight, the left side will be brighter in the morning. For the approach, if the plane lands towards the south, the left side offers the classic 'postcard' view of the Rio coastline.
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East Coast Lights
Shortly after departure from JFK, see the glowing grid of the Jersey Shore and the Mid-Atlantic coastline.
Puerto Rico
The flight path often passes directly over or just west of Puerto Rico, offering views of the island's mountainous interior.
Amazon Rainforest
A vast, seemingly infinite carpet of green jungle and meandering brown rivers during the mid-flight segment over Brazil.
Christ the Redeemer
On specific northern approach patterns, the Corcovado mountain and statue can be spotted on the right side.
The right side is ideal if you prefer land-based scenery like the Amazon basin during the daylight hours of the flight. It also tends to be the 'shady' side for much of the southbound journey, which is better for sleeping or looking out without glare once the sun rises.
Book Hotels in Rio De JaneiroDistance: 7,729 km (4,803 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 6 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: GIG (-22.8099994659, -43.2505569458)
Route Type: International
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