On common approach paths from the west or north, the left side offers iconic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn neighborhoods, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
The right side is significantly more scenic, offering front-row seats to the majestic Greenland ice cap and the rugged beauty of the North American Atlantic coast without the glare of the southern sun.
While both sides are scenic, the Right Side is the clear winner for its immediate, close-up view of Mt. Rainier after takeoff and the high probability of seeing the Manhattan skyline and NYC harbor landmarks during the final approach into JFK.
The right side is significantly superior for this westbound route, offering a front-row seat to the majestic Alps shortly after takeoff and the potential for breathtaking views of Greenland's ice sheets and the rugged Canadian coastline.
The Left Side (Port) is superior for this trans-pacific route, offering views of the volcanic Kuril Islands, the rugged mountains and glaciers of Alaska, and the pristine frozen landscapes of the Canadian Arctic and Hudson Bay.
The Right Side is superior for transatlantic flights from Northern Europe, offering spectacular views of the Greenland ice sheet and the Canadian coastline while avoiding direct glare from the sun.
The right side is generally superior on this transpolar-adjacent route, offering breathtaking views of the Greenland ice cap, the rugged coasts of Labrador, and the potential for Aurora Borealis on overnight segments.
The right side is the premier choice for this route, offering iconic views of the Greenland ice sheet, the rugged Labrador coast, and the potential for Northern Lights on night flights.
The right side of the aircraft offers a premier vantage point for the most iconic landmarks of New York State, including the rugged Catskill Mountains and an unparalleled panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline during the descent into JFK.
While the Left Side offers iconic Manhattan skyline views during specific landing patterns, the Right Side is consistently superior for the majority of the transcontinental journey, featuring the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the Jersey Shore on approach.
The right side offers a superior view of the high Alps immediately after takeoff and a higher probability of seeing Greenland's glaciers or the rugged New England coast depending on the day's jet stream.
While both sides offer merit, the Right Side is the clear winner for its unparalleled views of the Greenland ice cap and the rugged Canadian coastline, which are the highlights of the Great Circle trajectory used on this long-haul route.
The right side offers unparalleled views of the Greenland icecap and the iconic Manhattan skyline during the final approach into JFK.