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OAK → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (Oakland) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the northern Sierra Nevada, the Great Salt Lake, and a high probability of seeing the Manhattan skyline during the final approach into JFK.
San Francisco Bay
Immediate views of the Bay Bridge, Berkeley, and the Oakland hills during the initial ascent.
Lake Tahoe & Sierra Nevada
Aerial perspective of the deep blue waters of Tahoe and the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the northern Sierras.
Great Salt Lake
The striking contrast of the white salt flats and the turquoise waters of Utah's massive saline lake.
Colorado Rockies
Panoramic views of the jagged northern Rocky Mountains as you cross the Continental Divide.
The Great Lakes
Depending on the jet stream, views of the southern shores of Lake Michigan or Lake Erie across the Midwest.
Manhattan Skyline
On typical northern arrivals (Parkway Visual), iconic views of Central Park and the Midtown skyscrapers.
For the best experience, choose a seat ahead of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Sierras and the NYC skyline. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be on the right side of the plane, providing perfectly lit landscapes on the left without glare. Watch the flight map as you cross the Hudson River for the best photo timing.
San Francisco Peninsula
A distant but clear view of the San Francisco city grid, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific coastline.
Yosemite National Park
Vistas of the High Sierra wilderness and the granite domes of Yosemite from 35,000 feet.
Red Rock Country
The colorful, eroded landscapes of southern Utah and northern Arizona, including glimpses of the Colorado River.
The Great Plains
The geometric 'patchwork quilt' of circular irrigation fields across Nebraska and Kansas.
Appalachian Ridges
The long, parallel forested ridges of Pennsylvania and the Delaware Water Gap.
The Jersey Shore
Views of the Atlantic coastline and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge if the flight loops south for landing.
The right side is excellent for sunset views on afternoon departures from Oakland. During winter months, the low sun angle highlights the topography of the Appalachian Mountains. If landing on Runway 13L, you may see the Gateway Arch (Manhattan) across the water, though it is less consistent than the left side views.
Distance: 4,135 km (2,569 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 52 min
Departure: OAK (37.721298, -122.221001)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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