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JFK → RSW
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Southwest Florida International Airport (Fort Myers)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline shortly after takeoff, followed by a continuous panorama of the Eastern Seaboard cities and the diverse inland geography of the Southern United States.
Manhattan Skyline
Unparalleled views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and One World Trade Center during the initial climb.
Mid-Atlantic Cities
Distal views of Philadelphia and the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan corridor as the plane heads south.
Chesapeake Bay
Crossing the massive estuary, offering views of the Bay Bridge and various maritime traffic.
Central Florida Lakes
A landscape of thousands of circular freshwater lakes and citrus groves as you descend toward Fort Myers.
Florida Everglades
The vast, grassy wetlands of the northern Everglades visible as the flight turns toward the Gulf Coast.
The right side is essential for the best New York City views. During the descent into RSW, watch for the shift from forested land to the watery grid of South Florida. Afternoon flights on this side may experience direct sun glare, so bring sunglasses.
The Jersey Shore
Bird's-eye view of the iconic boardwalks and sandy beaches stretching from Asbury Park to Atlantic City.
Outer Banks
Visual of the thin, fragile barrier islands of North Carolina separating the Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.
Coastal Marshes
Intricate network of waterways and wetlands along the South Carolina and Georgia coastlines.
Atlantic Sunrise
On morning flights, the left side provides a front-row seat to the sun rising over the open ocean horizon.
Opt for the left side on early morning departures to enjoy the sunrise over the Atlantic. This side is also better for spotting the unique geography of the Outer Banks, provided the flight path stays slightly offshore.
Distance: 1,732 km (1,076 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 19 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: RSW (26.53619956970215, -81.75520324707031)
Route Type: Domestic
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