The left side wins because of the dramatic Rocky Mountain and Front Range views during departure from Denver, plus a bonus glimpse of the Philadelphia skyline on arrival. The right side, facing the Great Plains and then Midwest/Appalachian foothills at cruise, offers comparatively flat and repetitive terrain for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska, followed by the rolling farmland of Iowa and Illinois, then the Appalachian Plateau and ridges of Ohio and Pennsylvania as the flight approaches the East Coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDeparting DEN to the east then turning northeast, the left side offers a receding view back toward the Front Range and Rocky Mountains, including the Denver skyline against the foothills. This is the most dramatic terrain moment of the entire flight.

Landing at PHL
LEFTOn approach into PHL from the west, the left side gives a good view of the Philadelphia skyline and the Schuylkill River before landing, plus glimpses of the Delaware River. It's a modest but genuine urban scenic bonus absent on the right, which mostly faces flat New Jersey suburbs.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Philadelphia. The left side wins because of the dramatic Rocky Mountain and Front Range views during departure from Denver, plus a bonus glimpse of the Philadelphia skyline on arrival. The right side, facing the Great Plains and then Midwest/Appalachian foothills at cruise, offers comparatively flat and repetitive terrain for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing DEN to the east then turning northeast, the left side offers a receding view back toward the Front Range and Rocky Mountains, including the Denver skyline against the foothills. This is the most dramatic terrain moment of the entire flight. Notable sights include: Front Range foothills, Longs Peak, Denver downtown skyline, South Platte River valley.
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. On approach into PHL from the west, the left side gives a good view of the Philadelphia skyline and the Schuylkill River before landing, plus glimpses of the Delaware River. It's a modest but genuine urban scenic bonus absent on the right, which mostly faces flat New Jersey suburbs. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline, Schuylkill River, Delaware River, Center City towers.
How long is the flight from Denver to Philadelphia?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes 3h 15m.
What does the Denver to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska, followed by the rolling farmland of Iowa and Illinois, then the Appalachian Plateau and ridges of Ohio and Pennsylvania as the flight approaches the East Coast.