While most of the flight crosses open Atlantic Ocean limiting both sides' scenic value, the left side benefits from a scenic Dutch coastal departure and glimpses of the English coastline, giving it a slight edge over the largely featureless right-side ocean views before the Philadelphia approach shifts advantage briefly to the right.
Flight Path
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with possible distant views of the Irish coastline shortly after departure and the Canadian Maritime coast (Newfoundland or Nova Scotia) before the descent into the northeastern United States
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AMS
LEFTDeparting Schiphol on a westbound track, the left side offers views of the Dutch coastline, the IJsselmeer, and the low dunes near Zandvoort before the aircraft heads out over the North Sea toward southern England. The right side mostly shows flat Dutch farmland and the open North Sea with little variation.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTOn approach to PHL from the northeast, the right side typically faces south toward the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River as the aircraft lines up for a westward landing on runway 27. The left side mostly overlooks New Jersey suburbs and farmland with fewer distinct landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
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. While most of the flight crosses open Atlantic Ocean limiting both sides' scenic value, the left side benefits from a scenic Dutch coastal departure and glimpses of the English coastline, giving it a slight edge over the largely featureless right-side ocean views before the Philadelphia approach shifts advantage briefly to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Schiphol on a westbound track, the left side offers views of the Dutch coastline, the IJsselmeer, and the low dunes near Zandvoort before the aircraft heads out over the North Sea toward southern England. The right side mostly shows flat Dutch farmland and the open North Sea with little variation. Notable sights include: IJsselmeer, Dutch coastline near Zandvoort, North Sea, faint outline of the English coast near Kent.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to PHL from the northeast, the right side typically faces south toward the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River as the aircraft lines up for a westward landing on runway 27. The left side mostly overlooks New Jersey suburbs and farmland with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, Camden waterfront, Schuylkill River bend.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Philadelphia?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes 8h35m.
What does the Amsterdam to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean, with possible distant views of the Irish coastline shortly after departure and the Canadian Maritime coast (Newfoundland or Nova Scotia) before the descent into the northeastern United States