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JFK โ SJO
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Juan Santamaria International Airport (San Jose)?
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.
Manhattan Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Freedom Tower and the NYC grid immediately following a southbound departure.
Outer Banks
The thin, sandy strips of North Carolina's barrier islands are often visible during the coastal transit.
Andros Island
Stunning patterns of the Great Bahama Bank featuring intricate white sand bars and bright blue water.
Central Cuba
A cross-island transit typically offers views of the Cuban countryside and the southern keys near Cienfuegos.
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'โthe 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.
Long Island Sound
Aerial views of the suburban coastlines and the Atlantic stretches of the Hamptons during initial climb.
Gulf Stream
Deep blue contrasts of the Atlantic currents as the flight heads south away from the US coast.
Eastern Bahamas
Views of the outer Bahamian cays including Great Abaco and the shallow turquoise banks.
Tortuguero Coast
The dense, roadless rainforest canals of the Caribbean coast as you enter Costa Rican airspace.
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.
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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