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JFK → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the high Arctic, northern Siberian mountain ranges, and the best potential for viewing the Aurora Borealis during the long transit over the polar region.
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Arctic Ice Cap
Stunning, alien landscapes of fragmented sea ice and glaciers as the plane crosses the North Pole region.
Aurora Borealis
Incredible opportunities to see the Northern Lights during the night portion of the flight over the magnetic pole.
Siberian Ranges
The rugged, snow-dusted peaks of the Verkhoyansk and Stanovoy mountain ranges in the Russian Far East.
The Eternal Twilight
On westbound polar routes, you may experience a sunset or sunrise that lasts for several hours due to the flight speed relative to Earth's rotation.
Shanghai Port
Views of the world's busiest container port and the massive ships in the East China Sea upon final approach.
Essential for night flights to maximize Aurora Borealis visibility. Use a window shade cover or a dark blanket to eliminate cabin glare for better photos. During the summer, the sun rarely sets at these latitudes, providing 15+ hours of daylight for viewing the Siberian wilderness.
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Manhattan Skyline
Breathtaking views of the New York City skyline and the Hudson River immediately after takeoff from JFK.
Hudson Bay
Expansive views of the world's second-largest bay, often filled with ice floes depending on the season.
Northern Gobi
Visuals of the arid landscapes and shifting sands of the northern Gobi Desert during the descent through China.
Yangtze River Delta
The intricate network of canals and agricultural land surrounding the Yangtze River as you approach Shanghai.
Sit on the left side for the best views of the Yangtze River Delta during the final 30 minutes of the flight. For winter flights, expect heavy glare from the sun as it tracks south of the flight path during the mid-section of the journey.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 11,874 km (7,378 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 hrs 58 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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