Which side of the plane
 

Hi all

Leaving JFK mid-afternoon for SJU. What side of the plane is the best to see the New York skyline? Just wondering, and I might as well enjoy the view during take-off. Thanks

Cindy

Departures this time of year very generally favor a departure from runway 31L/R, which favors sitting on the right side, as there is a sharp left turn after departure that gives a great view of Manhattan from the right side of the plane. I'd give that a > 2/3 chance of working.

You could improve the odds by taking a crash course in reading aviation weather forecasts and changing your seat based on that but it's really not worth the effort.

Thanks for your fast reply. Should have made it clear that I'm only flying in September. But since all seats are open, I can't decide which side to pick. Decisions decisions....

Cindy

OP is flying JFK-SJU, so the right side will certainly afford some view during/after a departure on runway 22L/R as well (less so on 4L/R, not knowing how far out the right turn would be); if the flight uses 13L/R it would be an over-the-shoulder contortion to even have a chance of seeing something during the turn to a more southerly heading

Thank you, I'll move to the right side and then stop moving myself and my mom all around. It's tricky to pick a seat when there aren't much left, but it seems even more difficult when all seats are available. :p.

Cindy

I usually pick the side away from the sun to minimize glare. So that would be the left side of the plane for an afternoon southbound flight. To me, knowing that I won't have to deal with any sun glare for the duration of the flight is more valuable than a brief glimpse of NYC. YMMV.

This. I also pick the north "side" of the plane for east/westbound flights for the same reason.

But...I've also flown in/out of LGA and JFK more times than I can count, so seeing the skyline isn't as important to me.

It was fun a few months ago coming into LGA at night and making that left turn over Citi field while a game was in progress. On the left side and with the plane banking, you could look right into the stadium and actually make out the play (appeared to be a double into right field with an RBI, IIRC).

I like the NY skyline, but I love staring out of the window during the flight. Of course, I could put my sunglasses on, but people may think I am a diva :D. Thanks for that info, hadn't thought about the bright sun. Changing sides again ;)

Cindy

Keep in mind that you want a seat as far up front or as far back as possible. Otherwise, the wings may obstruct your view. :-)

she's in F ... probably not a real issue :p

:p. Yes, picked row 2, because I have no idea what the bulkhead is like in F ;)

Cindy

on a 738, my only complaint about Row 2 is that the life raft in the ceiling compartment can make it a little more challenging to get a larger bag into and out of the overhead bin; the opening isn't quite parallel to the aisle, since the fuselage starts to taper toward the nose at that point

Thanks for the heads up, but my only bag will be a normal sized backpack. If needed, I can put it under the seat in front of me :)

Cindy

aaaaaand here we go ... PLEASE don't anyone hijack this thread! :D

Uh oh.... Probably shouldn't have said it like that. Oops..... :D

Cindy