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JFK → LIR
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (Liberia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views during the descent into Guanacaste, featuring the volcanic mountain ranges of northern Costa Rica and spectacular sunset potential over the Pacific.
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Outer Banks
The distinctive barrier islands of North Carolina, including Cape Hatteras, are often visible shortly after departure.
Florida Coast
Distant views of the Florida peninsula and the upper Florida Keys as the flight heads south.
Western Cuba
Views of the Havana region and the lush Vinales Valley landscapes during the island crossing.
Guanacaste Volcanoes
Stunning views of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, including the Rincón de la Vieja and Miravalles volcanoes.
Costa Rican Dry Forest
The unique ecosystem of the Guanacaste province, characterized by its seasonal color changes from brown to vibrant green.
The right side is the clear winner for the arrival phase. As you descend into Liberia, the volcanic chain of northern Costa Rica typically lines the right side of the aircraft. For afternoon flights, this side also offers a front-row seat to the sunset over the Pacific as you cross the Nicaraguan border into Costa Rican airspace.
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NYC Skyline
Aerial views of Manhattan and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge immediately following takeoff from JFK.
Jersey Shoreline
A continuous view of the Atlantic coast beaches stretching from New Jersey down to the Delmarva Peninsula.
The Bahamas
Vibrant turquoise waters and sandbars of the eastern Bahamian islands visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Eastern Cuba
High-altitude views of the rugged Sierra Maestra mountains and the coastline of eastern Cuba.
Caribbean Sea
Expansive views of the deep blue Caribbean waters as the flight traverses toward Central America.
The left side is ideal for morning departures to keep the sun behind the aircraft, reducing glare on the window. It provides excellent views of the Bahamian archipelago's color gradients. During the final approach to LIR, you may catch a glimpse of the Gulf of Papagayo if the wind dictates a northern landing pattern.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for Costa RicaDistance: 3,535 km (2,197 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 10 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: LIR (10.5933, -85.544403)
Route Type: International
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