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JFK → RIC
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Richmond International Airport (Richmond)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior vantage point for the scenic Mid-Atlantic coastline, including the famous Jersey Shore, the mouth of the Delaware Bay, and the expansive Chesapeake Bay as you approach Virginia.
Brooklyn & Queens Coastline
Immediate views of the Rockaways and the southern shore of Long Island shortly after departing JFK.
Jersey Shore
A continuous stretch of beaches including Atlantic City's famous boardwalk and the thin barrier islands of New Jersey.
Delaware Bay
The massive transition where the Delaware River meets the Atlantic Ocean, often busy with cargo ships.
Assateague Island
The long, undeveloped barrier islands known for wild horses and pristine coastal dunes.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
A stunning engineering feat visible near the mouth of the bay before turning inland toward Richmond.
Norfolk Naval Station
Distant views of the world's largest naval base and the heavy maritime traffic of the Hampton Roads area.
Sit on the left for the best morning light on the coast without glare. Watch for the distinct change in water color where the Chesapeake Bay meets the ocean. This side is also best for spotting the various lighthouses dotted along the Atlantic coast.
NYC Harbor & Manhattan
If taking off to the west, you will see the Statue of Liberty and the dense Manhattan skyline in the distance.
Philadelphia Skyline
On clear days, the skyscrapers of Center City Philadelphia are visible to the west as you cross southern New Jersey.
The DMV Corridor
Distant views of the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas during the middle segment of the flight.
Potomac River
Crossing the wide, winding Potomac River which serves as the border between Maryland and Virginia.
Virginia Piedmont
Lush green rolling hills and dense forest canopies as the plane descends into the Richmond area.
Choose the right side for spectacular sunset views during evening flights. If the flight path takes a more inland route, this side provides a better look at the urban 'Northeast Corridor' infrastructure and major interstate highways.
Distance: 464 km (288 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 46 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: RIC (37.50519943237305, -77.3197021484375)
Route Type: Domestic
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