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JFK → JNB
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this long-haul route, offering stunning views of the sunrise over the African continent and a better perspective of the Johannesburg skyline and gold mine tailings during the final approach.
Search flights from JFK to JNB
New York Departure
Glittering views of the Long Island shoreline and the Atlantic coast immediately after taking off from JFK.
African Sunrise
A spectacular sunrise over the horizon as the aircraft crosses into African airspace, typically near the Sahel region.
Congo Basin
Vast stretches of deep green canopy as the flight traverses the world's second-largest tropical rainforest.
Kalahari Basin
The subtle color shifts of the semi-arid savanna and salt pans of Botswana as you head south.
The Reef
Views of the iconic yellow mine dumps (tailings) and the dense urban sprawl of the Witwatersrand on the final descent.
Most JFK-JNB flights depart in the evening, meaning the first half is in darkness. Sit on the left to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Africa about 10-11 hours into the flight. For the arrival into JNB (usually between 8 AM and 5 PM), the left side offers the best view of the Johannesburg CBD and the unique geography of the mining belt. Use a window towards the front to avoid wing obstruction of the ground detail.
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Atlantic Crossing
Endless ocean vistas during the initial leg, with potential moon-reflecting views on night departures.
Gulf of Guinea
Coastal views of West Africa, including glimpses of the Nigerian and Gabonese coastlines depending on the airway.
Skeleton Coast
The dramatic and desolate meeting point of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean if the flight path tracks westward.
Sandton Skyline
Glimpses of the modern glass skyscrapers of Sandton, Africa's richest square mile, during the landing pattern.
The right side is excellent if you want to avoid the direct morning sun glare while flying south over Africa, which is better for photography. It also offers the best chance to see the coastline of Namibia if the pilot takes a more westerly route. During landing at OR Tambo, the right side often looks out toward the Magaliesberg mountains in the far distance on a clear day.
Book Hotels in JohannesburgDistance: 12,831 km (7,973 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 15 hrs 6 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Route Type: International
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