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ZRH → JFK
Which side of the plane to sit from Zürich Airport (Zurich) to John F Kennedy International Airport (New York)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most dramatic scenery, specifically the rugged ice sheets of Greenland and the rocky coastlines of Northern Canada, all while remaining in the shade to avoid solar glare.
Jura Mountains
The limestone ridges and lush forests of the Jura range visible shortly after departure from Switzerland.
Greenland Ice Sheet
The absolute highlight of the route; massive glaciers, deep fjords, and the vast white expanse of the inland ice cap.
Iceberg Alley
The waters off the coast of Newfoundland where giant icebergs can often be spotted drifting south in the spring and early summer.
Newfoundland Coast
The rugged, indented shoreline of eastern Canada, featuring remote fishing villages and rocky cliffs.
Long Island Sound
Panoramic views of the Connecticut shoreline and the diverse coastal geography of the North Shore of Long Island.
The right side (Starboard) is the 'cool' side for this route. It faces north, meaning you avoid direct sun and get the best lighting for photos of Greenland. The ice sheet is typically visible about 4.5 to 5.5 hours into the flight. If the flight takes a more northerly Great Circle route, you might even see the southern tip of Iceland.
Swiss Alps Glimpses
Distant views of the snow-capped Bernese Oberland peaks to the south during the initial climb out of Zurich.
Cape Cod & Islands
A clear view of the distinctive hook shape of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket as you reach the US coast.
Manhattan Skyline
On specific arrival patterns like the Parkway Visual or Canarsie approach, the skyscrapers of New York City appear on the left.
The Hamptons
Aerial perspective of the sprawling estates and white sand beaches of eastern Long Island.
New York Harbor
Views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the heavy shipping traffic entering the port during the final descent.
The left side will be in direct sunlight for the majority of this westbound flight, which can make the cabin warm and photography difficult due to glare. However, it is the superior choice for those hoping to spot the Manhattan skyline during the final minutes of flight, particularly if landing towards the west or south.
Distance: 6,309 km (3,920 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 25 min
Departure: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)
Arrival: JFK (40.63980103, -73.77890015)
Route Type: International
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