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SMF → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Sacramento International Airport (Sacramento) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most iconic urban views, including potential glimpses of Chicago and a high-probability view of the Manhattan skyline during the JFK arrival sequence.
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Sacramento Valley
Aerial views of the California State Capitol and the winding Sacramento River shortly after takeoff.
Great Salt Lake
The vast, shimmering expanse of the salt flats and the Great Salt Lake as you cross into Utah.
Chicago Skyline
On many transcontinental routes, the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan are visible to the north.
Appalachian Mountains
The distinctive parallel ridges and valleys of Pennsylvania's portion of the Appalachian range.
Manhattan Skyline
The premier view of the trip, featuring Central Park and the dense skyscrapers of NYC during the descent.
For the best experience, book a window seat well ahead of the wing. The left side is strategic for the 'Park Visual' approach into JFK, which provides a stunning panorama of Manhattan. Morning flights from SMF will have the sun behind you for the first half of the trip, reducing glare when looking at the Rockies and Great Salt Lake.
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Sierra Nevada
Rugged peaks and potential views of the Tahoe basin shortly after the initial climb from Sacramento.
Great Basin
The stark, beautiful high-desert landscapes of Nevada characterized by 'basin and range' topography.
Colorado Rockies
Dramatic snow-capped peaks of the central Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide.
Midwestern Grids
The fascinating geometric patterns of center-pivot irrigation circles across Nebraska and Kansas.
Long Island Shore
Views of the Atlantic beaches, the Rockaways, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge during final approach.
The right side is excellent for geological enthusiasts, offering a better angle on the southern Sierra Nevada and the vastness of the Great Plains. If your flight arrives at JFK from the south, you may see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Note that on eastbound afternoon flights, the right side will be the 'sunny' side, so keep your window shade adjusted to manage cabin heat.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 4,047 km (2,515 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 46 min
Departure: SMF (38.69540023803711, -121.59100341796876)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: Domestic
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