About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Philadelphia. The left side misses the best of the Amsterdam departure but wins the more dramatic landing approach with the Philadelphia skyline and Delaware River crossings clearly in view. Over the Atlantic the difference is negligible, but the PHL arrival on the left is the more rewarding payoff of the two endpoints.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Schiphol typically departs westbound on runway 18R/36L or 06/24, and a westbound or northwestbound departure on the right side gives you a clear view over Amsterdam city center, the IJ river, and the historic canal ring before the aircraft turns toward the North Sea. The left side faces open polder farmland with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and city center, IJ river and Amsterdam harbour, Westpoort industrial port area, North Sea Hook of Holland coastline.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHL sits south of the city and aircraft typically approach from the east or northeast on runway 27L/27R, meaning the left side faces north toward Center City Philadelphia, the Delaware River, and the Ben Franklin Bridge. The right side looks south over South Philadelphia and the New Jersey marshlands. Notable sights include: Center City Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge, Walt Whitman Bridge, Philadelphia sports complex (Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park).
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Philadelphia?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes Approximately 8 to 8.5 hours westbound.
What does the Amsterdam to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the North Sea, crosses the southern tip of Greenland or passes near Iceland depending on the jet stream routing, then arcs southwest over Labrador and Quebec. Visible features include the Irish coast near Shannon on departure, the Greenland ice sheet and fjords at roughly the midpoint, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Nova Scotia coastline on descent, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens and Delaware Bay on the final approach corridor into PHL.