While takeoff offers good terrain views on the right, the landing approach into PHL on the left provides more dramatic and recognizable urban geography—the Delaware River, downtown Philadelphia skyline, and iconic bridges make for a more compelling window seat experience overall.
Flown BHM to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Birmingham to Philadelphia is 771 miles (1,241 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest, particularly the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ranges in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky). The New River Gorge in West Virginia is occasionally visible on clear days. As the aircraft transitions into Pennsylvania airspace, the terrain flattens progressively. The Susquehanna River becomes visible in south-central Pennsylvania during descent, running north-south. The Piedmont region of Pennsylvania and Maryland offers rolling terrain with scattered lakes and reservoirs.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BHM
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the climb-out over Birmingham's urban core and the surrounding Appalachian foothills to the east. BHM typically departs runways 06R/06L (eastbound) or 24R/24L (westbound); eastbound departures offer the best views of terrain variation.
Landing at PHL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best approach views into PHL. Typical landing runways are 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound); most arrivals use 09L/09R, which approaches from the west over the Delaware River and central Philadelphia.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Birmingham International (BHM) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Birmingham to Philadelphia. While takeoff offers good terrain views on the right, the landing approach into PHL on the left provides more dramatic and recognizable urban geography—the Delaware River, downtown Philadelphia skyline, and iconic bridges make for a more compelling window seat experience overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Birmingham International in Birmingham?
During takeoff from Birmingham International (BHM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the climb-out over Birmingham's urban core and the surrounding Appalachian foothills to the east. BHM typically departs runways 06R/06L (eastbound) or 24R/24L (westbound); eastbound departures offer the best views of terrain variation. Notable sights include: Birmingham downtown skyline, Red Mountain (elevation 1,080 ft, visible as a ridge east of the airport), Vulcan statue atop Red Mountain, Appalachian foothills rising progressively eastward.
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. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into PHL. Typical landing runways are 09L/09R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound); most arrivals use 09L/09R, which approaches from the west over the Delaware River and central Philadelphia. Notable sights include: Delaware River (wide, distinctive waterway), Philadelphia downtown skyline with One Liberty Place and Comcast Center, Benjamin Franklin Bridge spanning the Delaware, Schuylkill River to the southwest.
How long is the flight from Birmingham to Philadelphia?
The flight from Birmingham International (BHM) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 771 miles (1,241 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Birmingham to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as a series of parallel ridges running northeast-southwest, particularly the Blue Ridge and Allegheny ranges in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky). The New River Gorge in West Virginia is occasionally visible on clear days. As the aircraft transitions into Pennsylvania airspace, the terrain flattens progressively. The Susquehanna River becomes visible in south-central Pennsylvania during descent, running north-south. The Piedmont region of Pennsylvania and Maryland offers rolling terrain with scattered lakes and reservoirs.