Loading map...
RUH → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from King Khaled International Airport (Riyadh) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides a superior geographic progression, featuring the rugged Turkish interior, the potential for Greenland's ice caps, and the most iconic views of the New York City skyline upon arrival.
Search flights from RUH to JFK
Anatolian Plateau
Dramatic views of the snow-capped Taurus Mountains and the rugged terrain of central Turkey.
Greenland Ice Sheet
On northern tracks, witness the vast white expanse of glaciers and deep coastal fjords.
Canadian Maritimes
The rocky, forested coastlines of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia as the plane enters North American airspace.
Manhattan Skyline
The premier view of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the One World Trade Center on specific JFK arrivals.
The right side is the high-reward choice for landmarks. For the best chance to see the NYC skyline, hope for a 'Parkway Visual' approach to Runway 13. During the winter months, this side offers the only chance to spot the Aurora Borealis over the North Atlantic. Note that for morning departures from Riyadh, the sun will be on this side, so keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to avoid glare.
Book Hotels in New York
An-Nafud Desert
Expansive views of Northern Saudi Arabia's rolling red sand dunes shortly after departure.
Mediterranean Seaboard
The scenic crossing from the Middle Eastern coast into the turquoise waters of the eastern Mediterranean.
New England Coast
Clear views of the Massachusetts shoreline and the distinct hook of Cape Cod during descent.
Long Island South Shore
Bird's-eye views of the barrier islands and the Atlantic coast as the plane aligns for landing.
The left side is ideal for passengers wishing to avoid direct sunlight on this westbound journey, as the sun remains mostly on the right. It is the best side for viewing the coastal geography of the Northeastern United States during the final approach phase.
Get eSIMs for Saudi Arabia
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 10,480 km (6,512 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 hrs 20 min
Departure: RUH (24.957599639892575, 46.69879913330078)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.