While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left side—featuring the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, and Philadelphia's iconic skyline—provides the more memorable and distinctive visual experience for this route.
Flown DSM to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Des Moines to Philadelphia is 970 miles (1,560 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Pennsylvania, passing near the Appalachian ridge system (visible as subtle elevation changes and forested terrain around 20,000+ feet). The Susquehanna River is visible during the descent phase near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Ohio River valley lies to the northwest of the direct route but may be visible on clear days from higher altitudes.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DSM
RIGHTDSM typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats capture the Des Moines River valley and the urban grid of downtown Des Moines receding below, with the broader Iowa farmland patchwork extending eastward into the climb.
Landing at PHL
LEFTPHL typically lands on runways 9L/9R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Eastbound approaches offer left-side views of the Delaware River, the Philadelphia waterfront, and Center City's skyline. Westbound approaches favor left-side views of the Schuylkill River and University City.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Des Moines International (DSM) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Des Moines to Philadelphia. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left side—featuring the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, and Philadelphia's iconic skyline—provides the more memorable and distinctive visual experience for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Des Moines International in Des Moines?
During takeoff from Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. DSM typically departs to the east or northeast. Right-side seats capture the Des Moines River valley and the urban grid of downtown Des Moines receding below, with the broader Iowa farmland patchwork extending eastward into the climb. Notable sights include: Des Moines River, downtown Des Moines skyline, Iowa State Capitol building, Saylorville Lake (north of airport).
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. PHL typically lands on runways 9L/9R (eastbound) or 27L/27R (westbound). Eastbound approaches offer left-side views of the Delaware River, the Philadelphia waterfront, and Center City's skyline. Westbound approaches favor left-side views of the Schuylkill River and University City. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline (Center City), Ben Franklin Bridge, Schuylkill River.
How long is the flight from Des Moines to Philadelphia?
The flight from Des Moines International (DSM) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 970 miles (1,560 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Des Moines to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Pennsylvania, passing near the Appalachian ridge system (visible as subtle elevation changes and forested terrain around 20,000+ feet). The Susquehanna River is visible during the descent phase near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Ohio River valley lies to the northwest of the direct route but may be visible on clear days from higher altitudes.