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JFK destination photo
SJO destination photo

JFK โ†’ SJO

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, starting with the Manhattan skyline and New Jersey coastline, followed by the turquoise waters of the Bahamas and a spectacular approach into the volcanic Central Valley of Costa Rica.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
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Manhattan Skyline

Breathtaking views of the Freedom Tower and the NYC grid immediately following a southbound departure.

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Outer Banks

The thin, sandy strips of North Carolina's barrier islands are often visible during the coastal transit.

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Andros Island

Stunning patterns of the Great Bahama Bank featuring intricate white sand bars and bright blue water.

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Central Cuba

A cross-island transit typically offers views of the Cuban countryside and the southern keys near Cienfuegos.

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Poรกs Volcano

On the final approach to SJO, look for the massive active crater and its acidic lagoon nestled in the clouds.

Book a window seat on the right for the best 'vacation vibes'โ€”the Bahamas views are iconic. During the landing at SJO, the plane often banks over the city of Alajuela, offering a close-up look at the colorful rooftops and coffee plantations on the mountain slopes.

Left Side Highlights
6.5
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Long Island Sound

Aerial views of the suburban coastlines and the Atlantic stretches of the Hamptons during initial climb.

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Gulf Stream

Deep blue contrasts of the Atlantic currents as the flight heads south away from the US coast.

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Eastern Bahamas

Views of the outer Bahamian cays including Great Abaco and the shallow turquoise banks.

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Tortuguero Coast

The dense, roadless rainforest canals of the Caribbean coast as you enter Costa Rican airspace.

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Irazรบ Volcano

Costa Rica's highest active volcano, visible on the left during the descent into the Central Valley.

Early morning flights provide a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic on this side. It is the quieter side for sleeping due to less direct sun glare in the afternoon, but offers fewer land-based landmarks until the final 20 minutes of the flight.

Top Activities in San Jose
Route Information

Distance: 3,559 km (2,211 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 11 min

Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)

Arrival: SJO (9.993860244750977, -84.20880126953125)

Route Type: International

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