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PEK destination photo
EWR destination photo

PEKEWR

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

The Left Side offers an unparalleled window into the High Arctic, featuring the massive glaciers of Greenland and the dramatic coastal fjords of Baffin Island, which are among the most spectacular sights in global aviation.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏜️

Gobi Desert Borderlands

View the stark transition between the Mongolian grasslands and the arid Gobi Desert shortly after reaching cruising altitude.

🏔️

Siberian Plateaus

The rugged and desolate peaks of the Stanovoy Range in eastern Russia provide a moon-like landscape during the first third of the journey.

🧊

Arctic Sea Ice

As the flight crosses the magnetic north pole, the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean reveals intricate patterns of shifting ice floes.

❄️

Greenland Ice Sheet

A breathtaking view of the world's second-largest ice body, featuring deep blue meltwater lakes and massive calving glaciers.

🏞️

Baffin Island Fjords

Deeply carved glacial valleys and sheer granite cliffs along the northeastern coast of Canada's largest island.

🌊

Labrador Coastline

The remote and rocky Atlantic coastline of Canada, often dotted with icebergs during the spring and summer months.

For the most dramatic views of Greenland, monitor the flight map approximately 8 to 10 hours after departure. During winter months, the left side provides front-row seats to the Aurora Borealis over the Arctic. Use a dark cloth or blanket to cover your head and the window to eliminate cabin glare for night photography of the Northern Lights. Note that summer flights offer nearly 24 hours of daylight on this polar route.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🌾

Inner Mongolia

Expansive views of the rolling steppes and agricultural mosaics of Northern China during the initial climb.

🚢

Hudson Bay

Crossing the world's largest inland sea, which remains frozen for much of the year, offering unique geometric ice textures.

🌲

Canadian Shield

A seemingly endless landscape of boreal forests interspersed with millions of small, crystalline lakes across Northern Ontario.

⛰️

Adirondack Mountains

The high peaks and dense wilderness of upstate New York as the aircraft begins its initial descent into the tri-state area.

🗽

Manhattan Skyline

On the standard arrival into Newark, the right side often gets a sweeping view of the entire New York City skyline and the Hudson River.

🏙️

Jersey City Waterfront

A close-up view of the Exchange Place towers and the Statue of Liberty just moments before touchdown.

The Right Side is the clear winner for the final 20 minutes of flight. To catch the NYC skyline, ensure your window shade is open as you pass over the Tappan Zee Bridge. For midday flights, the sun is generally positioned to the south, meaning the right side may experience more direct glare; keep this in mind if you are sensitive to heat or bright light during the trans-continental portion.

Top Activities in Newark
Route Information

Distance: 10,968 km (6,815 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 54 min

Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)

Arrival: EWR (40.69250106811523, -74.168701171875)

Route Type: International

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