The right side wins overall because the takeoff view over Wrightsville Beach and the Cape Fear River mouth is genuinely spectacular and unique to this coastal departure. The landing advantage shifts left, but the right side still offers good views of the Rhode Island coastline and Cape Cod on the descent. The coastal scenery on departure edges it out.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast up the Mid-Atlantic coast passing over the Outer Banks of North Carolina, then the Virginia Beach coastline, Delaware Bay, the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and New York City metro area visible to the west. Further north, the Rhode Island coastline and Narragansett Bay appear before the descent into Boston. Cape Cod and its distinctive hook shape may be visible to the right on descent.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from ILM
RIGHTILM's primary departure runway 17/35 means northbound departures head up Runway 35, climbing over the Cape Fear River and turning northeast. The right side captures the Atlantic coastline, Wrightsville Beach barrier island, and the broad mouth of the Cape Fear River as you climb out. The left side faces inland toward flat pine forest with little of interest.
Landing at BOS
LEFTLogan approaches from the south or southwest typically bring aircraft over Boston Harbor and the city on final. The left side gives you Boston's downtown skyline, the Charles River, and Cambridge directly in view on approach. The right side faces out over the open Atlantic with little to see.
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Wilmington International (ILM) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Wilmington to Boston. The right side wins overall because the takeoff view over Wrightsville Beach and the Cape Fear River mouth is genuinely spectacular and unique to this coastal departure. The landing advantage shifts left, but the right side still offers good views of the Rhode Island coastline and Cape Cod on the descent. The coastal scenery on departure edges it out.
What can I see during takeoff from Wilmington International in Wilmington?
During takeoff from Wilmington International (ILM), sit on the Right side for the best views. ILM's primary departure runway 17/35 means northbound departures head up Runway 35, climbing over the Cape Fear River and turning northeast. The right side captures the Atlantic coastline, Wrightsville Beach barrier island, and the broad mouth of the Cape Fear River as you climb out. The left side faces inland toward flat pine forest with little of interest. Notable sights include: Cape Fear River mouth, Wrightsville Beach barrier island, Masonboro Island, Atlantic Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Logan approaches from the south or southwest typically bring aircraft over Boston Harbor and the city on final. The left side gives you Boston's downtown skyline, the Charles River, and Cambridge directly in view on approach. The right side faces out over the open Atlantic with little to see. Notable sights include: Boston downtown skyline, Boston Harbor islands, Charles River, Cambridge and MIT campus.
How long is the flight from Wilmington to Boston?
The flight from Wilmington International (ILM) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Wilmington to Boston flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast up the Mid-Atlantic coast passing over the Outer Banks of North Carolina, then the Virginia Beach coastline, Delaware Bay, the New Jersey Pine Barrens, and New York City metro area visible to the west. Further north, the Rhode Island coastline and Narragansett Bay appear before the descent into Boston. Cape Cod and its distinctive hook shape may be visible to the right on descent.