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JFK → RDU
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Raleigh Durham International Airport (Raleigh-durham)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers spectacular coastal views of the Jersey Shore, the Delaware Bay, and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay before turning inland toward the Research Triangle.
Search flights from JFK to RDU
Manhattan Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Financial District and Midtown skyscrapers during the initial climb out of JFK.
The Jersey Shore
A continuous view of famous beach towns including Asbury Park, Belmar, and the sprawling coastline down to Cape May.
Atlantic City
Clear visibility of the iconic boardwalk and casino towers situated right on the Atlantic coastline.
Norfolk Naval Station
The world's largest naval base is often visible where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Virginia Beach
The long stretch of white sand and the resort area at the southeastern tip of Virginia.
For the best experience, book a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the coastline. During departure from JFK, keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff as the plane often banks over the water, providing a perfect frame of the New York City skyline. In the winter, the low sun angle creates dramatic shadows over the coastal marshes of Maryland and Virginia.
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Statue of Liberty
A glimpse of Liberty Island and Staten Island shortly after departure from New York.
Philadelphia
On clear days, the skyline of the City of Brotherly Love is visible about 50 miles to the west.
D.C. Corridor
Distant views of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and the Potomac River basin.
Richmond
The historic capital of Virginia and the James River are prominent features as you begin the descent.
Piedmont Forests
Dense green canopies of the North Carolina interior as the aircraft approaches the Raleigh-Durham area.
The right side is ideal for sunset flights to witness the sky changing colors over the Appalachian foothills in the distance. When approaching RDU from the north, this side often provides a better view of the suburban sprawl of North Raleigh. Use a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur when trying to spot the distant skylines of Philadelphia or D.C.
Book Hotels in Raleigh-durhamDistance: 687 km (427 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: RDU (35.877601623535156, -78.7874984741211)
Route Type: Domestic
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