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MAD → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (Madrid) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is generally superior for this westbound transatlantic route, offering views of the Northern Spanish coastline, potential glimpses of Greenland's ice sheets depending on the jet stream, and a detailed look at the Canadian and New England coastlines during the descent.
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Cantabrian Mountains
Dramatic views of the Picos de Europa and the rugged northern coast of Spain as you leave the European continent.
Greenland Ice Caps
On northern Great Circle tracks, you may see the stark, white expanses and floating icebergs off the coast of Greenland.
Newfoundland Coast
The first sight of North America usually includes the rocky, fjord-like inlets of Atlantic Canada.
Cape Cod
The distinctively shaped peninsula of Massachusetts is often visible during the final hour of flight.
Long Island Sound
A clear view of the islands and affluent coastal towns along the northern edge of Long Island during descent.
The right side is the best choice for geography enthusiasts. Most MAD-JFK flights follow a northern arc; check your flight's predicted path on a tracker to see if it crosses near Greenland. Ensure your window is clear for the New England coast, which is most vibrant in autumn months. The sun will be mostly behind the plane or to the south, reducing glare on this side during the westbound journey.
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Castilian Plateau
Aerial views of the high-altitude plains of central Spain and the Duero River valley shortly after departure.
Atlantic Sunset
On late afternoon departures, this side provides a front-row seat to a prolonged sunset over the ocean.
Manhattan Skyline
During specific landing patterns at JFK (such as the Parkway Visual approach), the left side can offer views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline.
Sit on the left if you are taking a late flight and want to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic. While land views are more limited mid-flight, the approach into JFK from the south can provide iconic views of the New York Harbor if the winds favor a northern landing.
Get eSIMs for Spain
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 5,762 km (3,580 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 6 hrs 47 min
Departure: MAD (40.471926, -3.56264)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: International
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