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JFK → SAN
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to San Diego International Airport (San Diego)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior transcontinental experience, featuring iconic views of the Manhattan skyline upon departure, the heart of the snow-capped Colorado Rockies, the majestic Grand Canyon, and a legendary close-up of San Diego's skyscrapers on final approach.
Search flights from JFK to SAN
Manhattan Skyline
Depending on the departure runway at JFK, look out for the Empire State Building and Central Park.
Colorado Rockies
Direct views of the highest peaks in the Front Range, often snow-capped well into the summer months.
The Grand Canyon
A breathtaking perspective of the Colorado River carving through the massive multi-colored canyon walls.
Las Vegas & Lake Mead
View the massive Hoover Dam and the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip if the flight path tracks slightly north.
Downtown San Diego
The 'San Diego Arrival' is world-famous; you will fly incredibly close to the windows of downtown skyscrapers.
The right side is the clear winner for the landing at SAN, which is one of the most scenic in the world. Ask for a seat forward of the wing to ensure your view of the Grand Canyon and the San Diego skyline isn't obstructed by the engine or wing. On morning flights, the lighting for the Rockies and Grand Canyon is spectacular as the sun illuminates the western faces of the peaks and canyons.
Book Hotels in San DiegoPhiladelphia Skyline
Visible shortly after departure, offering a clear view of the skyscrapers and the Delaware River.
White Sands National Park
Glittering white gypsum dunes in New Mexico that stand out starkly against the desert floor.
Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering inland saline lake in the California desert near the end of the journey.
Imperial Valley
A striking contrast of bright green geometric agricultural fields surrounded by arid desert terrain.
Balboa Park & Zoo
During the final seconds of the flight, look down for a bird's-eye view of the world-famous zoo and park museums.
Sit on the left for better views of the Southern US border regions and the agricultural marvels of the Imperial Valley. For the best lighting on this westbound route, choose an afternoon flight to keep the sun behind the plane and avoid harsh glare. During the descent, the left side provides a great view of the Otay Lakes and the sprawling suburbs of Chula Vista.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 3,928 km (2,441 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 37 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Route Type: Domestic
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