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JFK → SJC
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (San Jose)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Great Salt Lake and Lake Tahoe, paired with a stunning aerial perspective of the San Francisco Bay and East Bay hills during the final descent into San Jose.
Great Lakes
Views of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan's southern shores often appear during the first half of the flight.
Great Salt Lake
The vast, shimmering expanse of the Great Salt Lake provides a surreal white and blue landscape.
Lake Tahoe
One of the flight's crown jewels, the deep blue alpine lake is usually visible just before crossing into California.
East Bay Hills
The rolling golden or green hills of the Diablo Range mark the beginning of the descent into the valley.
San Francisco Bay
Vibrant salt ponds and the southern reaches of the bay are visible as the plane aligns for the runway.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as it remains in the shade, providing better lighting for photography of Lake Tahoe and the Great Salt Lake. Watch for the distinct color changes in the salt evaporator ponds near SJC during the final five minutes of flight.
Manhattan Skyline
Incredible views of the New York City skyline and Central Park if the departure route turns south or west.
Southern Rockies
The rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Colorado Rockies stretch across the horizon.
Utah Canyons
The striking red rock formations and deep canyons of southern Utah are visible in clear weather.
Yosemite National Park
Look for the distinctive granite face of Half Dome and the high Sierra wilderness to the south.
Apple Park
The iconic 'Spaceship' headquarters in Cupertino is often visible on the left during the final approach.
On morning flights, the left side will be hit by direct sunlight for the majority of the journey; keep the window shade partially closed to avoid glare. For the best views of the Silicon Valley landscape on arrival, choose a seat behind the wing to see the sprawling tech campuses.
Distance: 4,125 km (2,563 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 51 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: SJC (37.362598, -121.929001)
Route Type: Domestic
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