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Route guide

London New York

Heathrow (LHR) — John F. Kennedy (JFK)

Westbound 5h shift Best side: right
Distance
5,550 km
Duration
8h
Time-zone shift
5h west
Best window side
right

Overview

London Heathrow to JFK — the most-flown long-haul corridor in the world. Short enough that aircraft choice matters less than seat choice; westward direction makes recovery quick.

Jet lag

5-hour westward delay — the easiest long-haul jet lag pattern. Stay up until local bedtime on arrival, get afternoon light, expect to feel functional within 2 days.

Build a LHR→JFK adaptation schedule

Best window side

Westbound daytime — the right (north) side avoids direct sun for most of cruise and is the calmer side for sleep on this short long-haul.

Cabin humidity

If you have a choice on this route, A350-1000 or A330neo runs noticeably more humid than the 777-300ER. Matters less than on a 14-hour leg, but eyes and lips still notice on the older aircraft.

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