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KEF → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Keflavik International Airport (Keflavik) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic views of the Greenlandic ice sheet, the rugged mountains of Labrador, and the best probability of seeing the Manhattan skyline during the JFK approach.
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Greenland Ice Cap
Breathtaking vistas of the vast, white interior ice sheet and deep, glacier-filled fjords.
Torngat Mountains
The ancient, dramatic peaks of northern Labrador, often snow-capped year-round.
Canadian Shield
An endless mosaic of boreal forests and thousands of small lakes across Quebec.
Manhattan Skyline
When landing on certain runways, this side provides iconic views of Central Park and the Empire State Building.
Hudson Valley
The winding Hudson River and the lush greenery of upstate New York during the descent.
This is the 'scenic' side for the majority of the flight. Greenland's ice sheet is much more prominent here. To maximize your chances of seeing the NYC skyline, check the wind direction; a landing from the north (Runway 13 or 22) usually grants the right side a stunning view of the city. Be prepared for some sun glare mid-flight.
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Reykjanes Peninsula
Aerial views of Iceland's youngest volcanic fields and the Blue Lagoon area shortly after takeoff.
Cape Farewell
The sharp, jagged peaks of Greenland's southernmost tip rising out of the North Atlantic.
Iceberg Alley
Spotting massive white icebergs drifting south from the Arctic along the Labrador Current.
Long Island Beaches
The sandy stretches of the Hamptons and Fire Island as the plane begins its final approach.
Jamaica Bay
The wetlands and salt marshes surrounding JFK airport just seconds before touchdown.
The left side is preferable if you want to avoid direct sunlight on westbound afternoon flights. It offers excellent views of the southern tip of Greenland (Cape Farewell), which is often the only part of the island visible on more southerly flight paths. Look for icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland in late spring.
Get eSIMs for Iceland
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 4,163 km (2,587 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 54 min
Departure: KEF (63.985000610352, -22.605600357056)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: International
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