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SAN → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from San Diego International Airport (San Diego) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this transcontinental route, offering a better angle of the San Diego coastline upon departure and the iconic Manhattan skyline during the most common approach patterns into JFK.
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San Diego Coastline
Spectacular views of Point Loma, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Ocean as the plane performs its initial climbing turn.
Mojave Desert
Aerial perspectives of the stark desert landscapes and the jagged peaks of the San Bernardino Mountains.
Appalachian Mountains
The distinctive 'ridge and valley' formations of the Pennsylvania Appalachians are highly visible during the descent.
Manhattan Skyline
On the standard 'Parkway Visual' or 'River' approaches, you will see Central Park and the Empire State Building.
George Washington Bridge
A clear view of the Hudson River and the massive suspension bridge connecting New Jersey to Upper Manhattan.
Sit several rows behind the wing to ensure your view of New York City isn't blocked. For the best lighting, choose an afternoon flight to avoid the southern sun glare, which will make the Manhattan skyline pop during the golden hour. If the flight arrives from the north, look out approximately 15 minutes before landing for the best city views.
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Salton Sea
A massive, shimmering turquoise lake in the middle of the California desert, easily identified from 35,000 feet.
Midwestern Grids
The fascinating geometric patterns of circular irrigation fields across Kansas and Missouri.
The Mississippi River
The vast, winding silver ribbon of America's largest river system near St. Louis.
Jersey Shore
Views of the Atlantic coastline, barrier islands, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on the final descent.
Brooklyn & Queens
Dense urban grids and neighborhood parks as the plane aligns with JFK's runways.
The right side is excellent for red-eye flights as it faces south, meaning you won't have the rising sun directly in your window during the morning arrival. It also offers a great look at the Atlantic shoreline if the flight approaches JFK from over the water. Watch for the glittering lights of Philadelphia and South Jersey during night flights.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 3,928 km (2,441 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 37 min
Departure: SAN (32.7336006165, -117.190002441)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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