The right side wins on the strength of Mount Rainier's dramatic presence during departure and the Philadelphia skyline during arrival, bookending an otherwise landmark-light transcontinental cruise over the northern Great Plains and Great Lakes region.
Flown BFI to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Philadelphia is 2,371 miles (3,816 km), a flight of about 4 hours 55 minutes.
Northern Rocky Mountains near Montana, Missouri River valley, Great Lakes basin (Lake Superior/Lake Michigan region), Appalachian foothills of western Pennsylvania
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BFI
RIGHTClimbing out of Boeing Field toward the southeast, the right side of the aircraft faces south, giving passengers a clear view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone rising above the Cascade foothills, with the Olympic Mountains visible further west. The left side mostly shows suburban Seattle and Lake Washington, which is pleasant but less dramatic.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTOn the westbound approach into PHL over the Delaware River and New Jersey suburbs, the right side faces north, revealing the Philadelphia skyline including Center City's skyscrapers and the river's curve before touchdown. The left side mostly shows flat South Jersey suburbs and marshland with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Philadelphia. The right side wins on the strength of Mount Rainier's dramatic presence during departure and the Philadelphia skyline during arrival, bookending an otherwise landmark-light transcontinental cruise over the northern Great Plains and Great Lakes region.
What can I see during takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Boeing Field toward the southeast, the right side of the aircraft faces south, giving passengers a clear view of Mount Rainier's snow-capped cone rising above the Cascade foothills, with the Olympic Mountains visible further west. The left side mostly shows suburban Seattle and Lake Washington, which is pleasant but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Cascade foothills, Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington.
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 the westbound approach into PHL over the Delaware River and New Jersey suburbs, the right side faces north, revealing the Philadelphia skyline including Center City's skyscrapers and the river's curve before touchdown. The left side mostly shows flat South Jersey suburbs and marshland with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, Camden waterfront, Center City skyscrapers.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Philadelphia?
The flight from Boeing Fld King Co International (BFI) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 4 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,371 miles (3,816 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Northern Rocky Mountains near Montana, Missouri River valley, Great Lakes basin (Lake Superior/Lake Michigan region), Appalachian foothills of western Pennsylvania