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LGB → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Long Beach /Daugherty Field/ Airport (Long Beach) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this transcontinental route, offering a front-row seat to the Manhattan skyline during the final approach into JFK, alongside diverse views of the Mojave Desert and the high Rockies.
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Long Beach Coastline
Aerial views of the Queen Mary, the Port of Long Beach, and the Pacific coastline immediately after departure.
Mojave National Preserve
Vast desert landscapes featuring the Kelso Dunes and cinder cone volcanoes in eastern California.
Central Rocky Mountains
Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks in Colorado, often passing directly over the rugged alpine terrain.
Chicago & Great Lakes
Depending on the jet stream, you may catch the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the distant Chicago skyline.
Manhattan Skyline
The legendary view of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center during the 'Parkway Visual' approach into JFK.
To maximize your experience, choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For the iconic NYC view, keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing, as the plane often banks over the Hudson or East River. This route is best flown during the day to appreciate the desert geology, though a night arrival offers a spectacular light show of the New York metropolitan area.
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Orange County Beaches
A southern view of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach as the flight climbs and turns eastward.
Grand Canyon
A breathtaking perspective of the Grand Canyon's North Rim and the intricate carvings of the Colorado River.
Lake Powell
The striking contrast of deep blue water against the vibrant red sandstone of Glen Canyon.
Monument Valley
Distinctive sandstone buttes and mesas rising from the desert floor on the Arizona-Utah border.
New York Harbor
Views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Staten Island, and the Atlantic coastline during the final descent.
The right side is superior for southwestern geological landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell. Since you are flying east, the sun will be on the right (south) side of the aircraft for most of the day, which may cause glare. Keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to stay cool, but open it as you cross the Colorado River for the best desert photography.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 3,958 km (2,459 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 39 min
Departure: LGB (33.81769943, -118.1520004)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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