While takeoff slightly favors the left side with Hartford's urban features, the landing approach on the right side is significantly more scenic with the Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline, and bridge views. The landing experience outweighs the modest takeoff advantage, making right the better overall choice for this short 1-hour flight.
Flown BDL to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Windsor Locks to Philadelphia is 195 miles (314 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
New Jersey Pine Barrens, Delaware Bay shoreline to the east, New Jersey farmland and suburban sprawl, Delaware River valley approaching Philadelphia
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BDL
LEFTLeft side captures the Connecticut River valley and Hartford urban area during climb-out, providing immediate urban and water features. Right side faces open terrain with minimal early visual interest.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTRight side provides superior landing approach views of the Delaware River, Philadelphia's downtown skyline, and the Schuylkill River. Left side faces industrial areas and lacks the dramatic urban and water features of the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bradley International (BDL) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Windsor Locks to Philadelphia. While takeoff slightly favors the left side with Hartford's urban features, the landing approach on the right side is significantly more scenic with the Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline, and bridge views. The landing experience outweighs the modest takeoff advantage, making right the better overall choice for this short 1-hour flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Bradley International in Windsor Locks?
During takeoff from Bradley International (BDL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Connecticut River valley and Hartford urban area during climb-out, providing immediate urban and water features. Right side faces open terrain with minimal early visual interest. Notable sights include: Connecticut River, Hartford skyline, Bradley International Airport grounds, surrounding Connecticut farmland.
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. Right side provides superior landing approach views of the Delaware River, Philadelphia's downtown skyline, and the Schuylkill River. Left side faces industrial areas and lacks the dramatic urban and water features of the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia downtown skyline, Schuylkill River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
How long is the flight from Windsor Locks to Philadelphia?
The flight from Bradley International (BDL) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 195 miles (314 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Windsor Locks to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
New Jersey Pine Barrens, Delaware Bay shoreline to the east, New Jersey farmland and suburban sprawl, Delaware River valley approaching Philadelphia