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JFK → MBJ
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer blue water, the right side consistently provides superior views of the Great Exuma island chain and the vibrant turquoise reefs of the Bahamas, followed by a better angle of the Jamaican coastline during the standard approach into Montego Bay.
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Jersey Shoreline
Excellent views of the Atlantic City skyline and the coastal wetlands of southern New Jersey shortly after departure.
Exuma Cays
Breathtaking views of the 'Tongue of the Ocean' and the swirling sand patterns of the Exumas in the Bahamas.
Andros Barrier Reef
Look down to see the world's third-largest barrier reef and the intricate blue holes scattered across Andros Island.
Montego Bay Coastline
On the final approach into MBJ, you get a front-row seat to the white sand beaches and luxury resorts of the Ironshore area.
The right side is the 'sunny side' on southbound flights, so wear sunglasses. For the best photography of the Bahamian reefs, midday flights are best as the sun is directly overhead, illuminating the shallow water. On approach to MBJ, the plane usually banks left, giving right-side passengers a sweeping view of the bay.
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New York Bight
Aerial views of the Rockaways and the sprawling Long Island shoreline immediately following takeoff from JFK.
Outer Banks Distant View
On clear days, see the thin ribbon of North Carolina's barrier islands as the plane tracks south along the Atlantic coast.
Eleuthera Island
A striking view of this long, thin Bahamian island where the deep blue Atlantic meets the shallow Caribbean turquoise.
Blue Mountains
As the flight descends into Jamaica, the lush, mist-covered peaks of the Blue Mountain range are visible to the southeast.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is ideal for spotting the deep-water side of the Bahamas. Keep your camera ready about 30 minutes before landing for the high-altitude contrast of the Caribbean Sea against the Jamaican mountains.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for JamaicaDistance: 2,493 km (1,549 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 19 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: MBJ (18.503700256347656, -77.91339874267578)
Route Type: International
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