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SAT → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from San Antonio International Airport (San Antonio) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is the clear winner for this route, primarily due to the spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor during the arrival into JFK, coupled with superior views of the Appalachian ridges.
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San Antonio Skyline
Catch a glimpse of the Tower of the Americas and downtown San Antonio shortly after departure.
The Mississippi River
Observe the massive, winding silver ribbon of the Mississippi as you cross near the Arkansas-Tennessee border.
Appalachian Mountains
Enjoy the textured, parallel ridges of the Appalachian range over West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Manhattan Skyline
During the descent into JFK, the left side often provides a stunning panorama of the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center.
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
Look for the massive suspension bridge connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn during the final approach.
Sit on the left for the iconic NYC approach. Aim for an afternoon flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the Manhattan skyline in golden light. On clear nights, the grid of lights across the Northeast Corridor is exceptionally bright on this side.
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East Texas Piney Woods
Dense evergreen forests dominate the landscape as the flight exits the Texas Hill Country region.
Tennessee River Valley
View the intricate waterways and lush greenery of the Tennessee Valley mid-flight.
Chesapeake Bay
In the distance, you may see the vast waters of the Chesapeake Bay as you transition into the Mid-Atlantic airspace.
Jersey Shore
See the barrier islands and sandy beaches of New Jersey as the plane banks toward Long Island.
JFK Terminals
A close-up view of the airport's diverse architectural terminals during the final touchdown sequence.
The right side is best for early morning flights to see the sunrise over the Atlantic. While you miss the Manhattan skyline, you get better views of the Atlantic coastline and the suburban sprawl of Long Island. It is generally quieter for sleeping as it faces away from the sun on northbound legs.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 2,551 km (1,585 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 24 min
Departure: SAT (29.533700942993164, -98.46980285644533)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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