V-Flyer

Hi,

Is there a good side to sit for best views of NYC on a daytime approach?

Thanks,

Steve

The runway in use at JFK will depend on the prevailing winds on the day. That said, I have pretty much always landed on 22L - so based on this the K side window seats are your best bet.

If you look on Flightradar24 on the day of your flight you should be able to get an idea of the runway in use for arrivals... but the winds can change in the 7-8hrs since you checked-in and arrive in JFK.

Thanks Kraken, much appreciated.
Steve

Another factor is weather and what the cloud coverage is like. That can ruin any good views even if the runway in use would ordinarily lend itself to good views.

The only time where I deliberately picked to sit on a certain side of an aircraft was St Lucia so I could see the Pitons from the air. Most of the time you will land from the west, so give TATL flights reach St Lucia from the north and skirt the western side of the island before landing in the south, you're guaranteed good views of the Pitons and the island in general if you sit on the left-hand side, they're taking off and landing in an easterly direction and there's no low clouds.

The one approach where a K-side window seat was essential was Kai Tak runway 13 checkerboard approach. Watch people having their dinner in their apartment from your seat. Was an amazing experience that I did manage to do twice - once from the flight deck jump-seat. Am not exactly sure which I preferred, but *that* low-altitude turn to align with the runway was something else.

Sit on the left side for the return flight, regardless of runway in operation you'll get some fantastic views of Long Island.