While the left window offers a dramatic start over the Øresund Strait, the right window provides the more rewarding landing sequence over the Delaware River and Philadelphia's geography. The approach view is more visually distinctive and geographically informative than the departure.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically FL350-FL380). Notable waypoints include passing south of Iceland and Greenland (visible as distant ice sheets if weather permits), crossing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region, and approaching the North American continent near Newfoundland. The Labrador Current's cold water creates visible cloud patterns. Most of the transatlantic crossing offers open ocean with minimal visible landmarks; the most interesting geography occurs during the first 90 minutes (Scandinavia and North Sea) and final 90 minutes (approaching the US East Coast, including the Appalachian Mountains' ridgelines visible on clear days during descent into Pennsylvania).
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kastrup (CPH) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Copenhagen to Philadelphia. While the left window offers a dramatic start over the Øresund Strait, the right window provides the more rewarding landing sequence over the Delaware River and Philadelphia's geography. The approach view is more visually distinctive and geographically informative than the departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Kastrup in Copenhagen?
During takeoff from Kastrup (CPH), sit on the Left side for the best views. CPH typically departs runway 04L/R or 22L/R depending on wind. A left window seat on a westbound departure captures the Øresund Strait immediately below, with Sweden's Scania coast visible across the water. This is the most dramatic immediate geography from the airport. Notable sights include: Øresund Strait (directly below during climb), Malmö and Scania Peninsula (Sweden, across the water to the north), Copenhagen city center (receding to the south), Amager Island (beneath the aircraft during initial climb).
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. PHL uses runways 09L/R or 27L/R. On approach from the northeast (typical transatlantic routing), a right window seat shows the Delaware River's dramatic bend and the city's downtown skyline against the river. The Schuylkill River confluence is also visible, providing excellent urban geography context. Notable sights include: Delaware River (prominent S-curve in the foreground), Philadelphia downtown skyline (along the river's eastern bank), Schuylkill River confluence (visible as the river joins the Delaware), New Jersey's industrial areas (across the Delaware to the east).
How long is the flight from Copenhagen to Philadelphia?
The flight from Kastrup (CPH) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes Approximately 8 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Copenhagen to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically FL350-FL380). Notable waypoints include passing south of Iceland and Greenland (visible as distant ice sheets if weather permits), crossing the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region, and approaching the North American continent near Newfoundland. The Labrador Current's cold water creates visible cloud patterns. Most of the transatlantic crossing offers open ocean with minimal visible landmarks; the most interesting geography occurs during the first 90 minutes (Scandinavia and North Sea) and final 90 minutes (approaching the US East Coast, including the Appalachian Mountains' ridgelines visible on clear days during descent into Pennsylvania).