Right-side seats win for both takeoff and landing, providing the most scenic views of the Pocono Mountains during departure and the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic coastline during arrival.
Flown ABE to MLB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Allentown/Bethlehem to Melbourne is 916 miles (1,474 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The flight path heads south-southwest from Allentown, crossing the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, then transitions over the relatively flat terrain of Virginia and North Carolina. Notable midpoint features include the Blue Ridge Mountains (visible from altitude as a series of parallel ridges in western Virginia), the Piedmont region of the Carolinas, and the coastal plain as the aircraft approaches Florida. The Atlantic coast becomes visible approximately 45 minutes before landing, with the Outer Banks of North Carolina visible during the descent phase. The flight crosses from temperate deciduous forest zones into subtropical coastal environments.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABE
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Pocono Mountains and Delaware River valley during the initial climb-out heading south-southwest. The terrain is more visually interesting than the flat farmland to the left.
Landing at MLB
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Indian River Lagoon, Brevard County barrier islands, and the Atlantic coastline during approach to Melbourne. The water features and coastal development are more visually distinctive than inland areas to the left.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to Melbourne International (MLB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Allentown/Bethlehem to Melbourne. Right-side seats win for both takeoff and landing, providing the most scenic views of the Pocono Mountains during departure and the Indian River Lagoon and Atlantic coastline during arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown/Bethlehem?
During takeoff from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Pocono Mountains and Delaware River valley during the initial climb-out heading south-southwest. The terrain is more visually interesting than the flat farmland to the left. Notable sights include: Pocono Mountains (southwest), Delaware River valley, Lehigh River, farmland of the Great Valley.
What can I see when landing at Melbourne International in Melbourne?
When landing at Melbourne International (MLB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Indian River Lagoon, Brevard County barrier islands, and the Atlantic coastline during approach to Melbourne. The water features and coastal development are more visually distinctive than inland areas to the left. Notable sights include: Indian River Lagoon, Atlantic barrier islands and beaches, Melbourne Beach, Banana River.
How long is the flight from Allentown/Bethlehem to Melbourne?
The flight from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to Melbourne International (MLB) takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 916 miles (1,474 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Allentown/Bethlehem to Melbourne flight path pass over?
The flight path heads south-southwest from Allentown, crossing the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, then transitions over the relatively flat terrain of Virginia and North Carolina. Notable midpoint features include the Blue Ridge Mountains (visible from altitude as a series of parallel ridges in western Virginia), the Piedmont region of the Carolinas, and the coastal plain as the aircraft approaches Florida. The Atlantic coast becomes visible approximately 45 minutes before landing, with the Outer Banks of North Carolina visible during the descent phase. The flight crosses from temperate deciduous forest zones into subtropical coastal environments.