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JFK → SYD
Which side of the plane to sit from John F Kennedy International Airport (New York) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the preferred choice for this ultra-long-haul route, offering a high probability of viewing the Manhattan skyline during departure and the world-renowned Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House upon arrival.
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Manhattan Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Financial District and Midtown skyscrapers shortly after takeoff from JFK.
American Southwest
Dramatic aerial views of the Mojave Desert and the Colorado River's winding path.
Pristine Night Sky
Unrivaled views of the Milky Way while crossing the vast, dark expanse of the Central Pacific.
Sydney Harbour
The iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge are often visible on the left when landing from the north.
Botany Bay
A clear view of the historic bay and its surrounding national parks just seconds before touchdown.
To maximize your experience, choose an 'A' window seat. For the Sydney arrival, keep your window shade open at least 30 minutes before landing; flights landing on Runway 16 provide the classic harbour view on the left. Note that this flight crosses the International Date Line, so timing of sunrises can be confusing—check your seatback map for local daylight updates.
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The Rocky Mountains
Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and high-altitude plateaus across the Western US.
Pacific Sunrise
A stunning, unobstructed view of the sun rising over the Pacific horizon as you approach Australia.
Pacific Atolls
Glimpses of remote Polynesian island chains depending on the specific GPS track for the day.
NSW Coastline
Sweeping views of the New South Wales beaches and the rugged cliffs of the Royal National Park.
Sydney Headlands
Views of the dramatic cliffs at the entrance to Sydney Harbour during the initial descent.
The right side is excellent for passengers who prefer seeing the high-altitude terrain of the Rockies and Sierras. On arrival into Sydney, the right side offers a better view of the southern coastline and the Kurnell Peninsula. If you are flying during the Australian summer, the right side will be the 'sunny' side for a significant portion of the trans-Pacific crossing.
Book Hotels in SydneyDistance: 16,014 km (9,951 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 18 hrs 50 min
Departure: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Arrival: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Route Type: International
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