Both sides score equally for the cruise phase over the flat Atlantic Coastal Plain and interior Southeast, but the right side edges ahead due to superior landing scenery. The central Florida lake landscape and Orlando approach provide more visual interest and recognizable landmarks during descent than the left side's generic piedmont terrain. The takeoff from ABE is comparable on both sides, but the landing experience tips the overall score to the right.
Flown ABE to SFB? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Allentown/Bethlehem to Orlando is 884 miles (1,422 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
Flight path crosses the Appalachian piedmont of North Carolina and South Carolina, passing east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notable features include the Piedmont plateau terrain (rolling, forested, with scattered lakes), the Cape Fear River basin in eastern North Carolina, and the transition into the Atlantic Coastal Plain near the South Carolina-Georgia border. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain features are directly on the flight path; the route stays east of the Appalachian highlands. The landscape gradually flattens from Pennsylvania through the Carolinas into central Florida.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ABE
LEFTLeft side captures the Lehigh Valley urban area and the ridge-and-valley topography of eastern Pennsylvania during initial climb. The terrain immediately west of ABE shows the folded Appalachian ridges that create visible elevation changes from altitude.
Landing at SFB
RIGHTRight side (east) provides views of central Florida's lake-studded landscape and the approach to the Orlando metropolitan area. The numerous lakes and wetlands create visual variety during descent, and the urban sprawl of Orlando becomes visible in the final approach phase.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Allentown/Bethlehem to Orlando. Both sides score equally for the cruise phase over the flat Atlantic Coastal Plain and interior Southeast, but the right side edges ahead due to superior landing scenery. The central Florida lake landscape and Orlando approach provide more visual interest and recognizable landmarks during descent than the left side's generic piedmont terrain. The takeoff from ABE is comparable on both sides, but the landing experience tips the overall score to the right.
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 Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Lehigh Valley urban area and the ridge-and-valley topography of eastern Pennsylvania during initial climb. The terrain immediately west of ABE shows the folded Appalachian ridges that create visible elevation changes from altitude. Notable sights include: Lehigh Valley urban corridor (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton), Blue Mountain ridge line to the northwest, Delaware River valley to the east.
What can I see when landing at Orlando Sanford International Airport in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (east) provides views of central Florida's lake-studded landscape and the approach to the Orlando metropolitan area. The numerous lakes and wetlands create visual variety during descent, and the urban sprawl of Orlando becomes visible in the final approach phase. Notable sights include: Lake Apopka (large freshwater lake west of Orlando), Orlando urban area and downtown skyline, Shingle Creek headwaters region, numerous smaller lakes and retention ponds.
How long is the flight from Allentown/Bethlehem to Orlando?
The flight from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) to Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 884 miles (1,422 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Allentown/Bethlehem to Orlando flight path pass over?
Flight path crosses the Appalachian piedmont of North Carolina and South Carolina, passing east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Notable features include the Piedmont plateau terrain (rolling, forested, with scattered lakes), the Cape Fear River basin in eastern North Carolina, and the transition into the Atlantic Coastal Plain near the South Carolina-Georgia border. No major mountain ranges or dramatic terrain features are directly on the flight path; the route stays east of the Appalachian highlands. The landscape gradually flattens from Pennsylvania through the Carolinas into central Florida.