While the left side offers a fleeting glimpse of Paris at takeoff, the right side delivers a more sustained and visually layered payoff on arrival — the Delaware River, Philadelphia's skyline, and the stadium district all appear together during the final approach, giving it the edge for the full flight.
Flown LBG to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Philadelphia is 3,715 miles (5,978 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the North Atlantic, passing near southern Ireland's coastline early in cruise and later tracking south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before making landfall over New England and the Mid-Atlantic coast toward Philadelphia.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LBG
LEFTLBG departures on runway 25 climb out heading southwest, and Paris itself sits just south of the field, so the left side gets a brief but genuine view of the city — the Seine's bends, La Défense's towers, and the Eiffel Tower area — before the aircraft turns onto its oceanic routing. The right side mostly shows flat Île-de-France farmland and northern suburbs.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTPHL arrivals typically land to the west on runways 27L/27R, approaching from the east across New Jersey and the Delaware River. Since downtown Philadelphia and the stadium complex sit north of the airport, they appear on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent, giving a clear skyline and river view that the left side (facing south toward Delaware marshland) lacks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Le Bourget (LBG) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Philadelphia. While the left side offers a fleeting glimpse of Paris at takeoff, the right side delivers a more sustained and visually layered payoff on arrival — the Delaware River, Philadelphia's skyline, and the stadium district all appear together during the final approach, giving it the edge for the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Le Bourget in Paris?
During takeoff from Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. LBG departures on runway 25 climb out heading southwest, and Paris itself sits just south of the field, so the left side gets a brief but genuine view of the city — the Seine's bends, La Défense's towers, and the Eiffel Tower area — before the aircraft turns onto its oceanic routing. The right side mostly shows flat Île-de-France farmland and northern suburbs. Notable sights include: Seine River bends, La Défense skyline, Eiffel Tower area, Paris northern suburbs.
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 arrivals typically land to the west on runways 27L/27R, approaching from the east across New Jersey and the Delaware River. Since downtown Philadelphia and the stadium complex sit north of the airport, they appear on the right side of the aircraft during the final descent, giving a clear skyline and river view that the left side (facing south toward Delaware marshland) lacks. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline, sports stadium complex, Camden, NJ waterfront.
How long is the flight from Paris to Philadelphia?
The flight from Le Bourget (LBG) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,715 miles (5,978 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The route crosses the North Atlantic, passing near southern Ireland's coastline early in cruise and later tracking south of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia before making landfall over New England and the Mid-Atlantic coast toward Philadelphia.