Departing aircraft often provide views of the Long Island coastline and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, while departures toward the northwest offer a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline.
While both sides offer spectacular ocean vistas, the Left Side typically provides a superior view of the northern coral reefs and the historic town of St. George's during the final approach into Bermuda.
The Left Side is preferred for its superior views of the North American coastline, including Long Island and the Canadian Maritimes, before heading out over the Atlantic.
The left side is the winner for this transatlantic route, offering the best vantage point for the Aurora Borealis during the night crossing and a more dramatic perspective of the rugged Canadian and Irish coastlines.
The right side offers iconic views of the New York City skyline and the New Jersey coastline shortly after takeoff, followed by a dramatic descent over Puerto Rico's central mountain range into the southern city of Ponce.
The right side offers a superior perspective of the US Atlantic coastline during departure and provides better views of the Caribbean archipelago and the lush, mountainous terrain of the Dominican Republic upon arrival.
The left side (Port) is generally preferred for this eastbound transatlantic crossing. It offers views of the Long Island coast upon departure, faces north for potential Aurora Borealis sightings over the Atlantic, and provides a scenic first look at the rugged Irish coastline upon arrival without the glare of the rising sun.
The left side offers a superior view of the African interior, including the dramatic shift from the Sahara's golden sands to the tropical greenery of West Africa and the sprawling Lagos mainland.
The left side offers the most scenic views of the American East Coast during departure and provides a clearer perspective of the African coastline during the descent into Dakar.