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NRT → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Narita International Airport (Tokyo) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side (Port) is superior for this trans-pacific route, offering views of the volcanic Kuril Islands, the rugged mountains and glaciers of Alaska, and the pristine frozen landscapes of the Canadian Arctic and Hudson Bay.
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Kamchatka & Kurils
Early in the flight, observe the dramatic volcanic peaks along the Russian coast and the string of Kuril Islands.
Alaskan Ranges
As the plane crosses into North America, enjoy breathtaking views of the massive glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Alaska Range.
Aurora Borealis
On overnight flights, this side offers the best chance to witness the Northern Lights while traversing high latitudes.
Hudson Bay
A vast expanse of ice or deep blue water depending on the season, showcasing the remote beauty of Northern Canada.
Adirondack Mountains
During the descent into New York, the lush green or snow-covered forests of Upstate New York come into view.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing to capture the clearest views of the Alaskan wilderness. For the best Aurora Borealis sightings, ensure the cabin lights are dimmed and use a jacket to block window reflections. This side is consistently more scenic for the duration of the land-overflight portions.
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North Pacific Expanse
An endless horizon of deep blue water and interesting cloud formations during the longest leg of the journey.
The Moving Horizon
Experience an extended sunrise or sunset due to the high-speed eastbound travel across multiple time zones.
Long Island Coastline
The sandy beaches and suburban sprawl of Long Island are visible during the final approach into JFK.
Manhattan Skyline
Depending on the arrival pattern (specifically Runway 13L), the right side can offer a distant but iconic view of the NYC skyline.
The Right Side is primarily ocean-facing for the first 8-10 hours. However, it is the preferred side for the 'Park Avenue' approach into JFK, which can provide a stunning view of Manhattan if traffic patterns allow. Use a sun-tracking app to see if the sun will be directly in your eyes during the flight.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 10,830 km (6,729 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 44 min
Departure: NRT (35.764701843299996, 140.386001587)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: International
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