While takeoff from City Airport favors the right, the landing approach into Philadelphia offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Appalachian foothills and river valleys. Left-side seats capture the most impressive terrain during the final descent.
Flown LCY to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Philadelphia is 3,556 miles (5,723 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Irish coastline and Celtic Sea (visible during early climb if weather permits), the mid-Atlantic open ocean (no landmarks), and the approach to North America via the Canadian Maritime provinces and New England coastline. The Appalachian Mountain chain becomes visible during descent into the Philadelphia region, running as a series of parallel ridges from northeast to southwest across Pennsylvania.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LCY
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Kent marshlands spreading below.
Landing at PHL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Appalachian foothills and the Schuylkill River valley during descent into Philadelphia. The river's dramatic curves and the surrounding ridge topography are particularly striking.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City (LCY) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Philadelphia. While takeoff from City Airport favors the right, the landing approach into Philadelphia offers more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Appalachian foothills and river valleys. Left-side seats capture the most impressive terrain during the final descent.
What can I see during takeoff from City in London?
During takeoff from City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and the North Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs eastward from City Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the Kent marshlands spreading below. Notable sights include: River Thames estuary, North Sea coastline, Kent marshlands, Greater London urban sprawl to the west.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Appalachian foothills and the Schuylkill River valley during descent into Philadelphia. The river's dramatic curves and the surrounding ridge topography are particularly striking. Notable sights include: Schuylkill River, Appalachian foothills, Delaware River, Philadelphia city grid.
How long is the flight from London to Philadelphia?
The flight from City (LCY) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,556 miles (5,723 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 5 hours. Notable geographic features along the route include: the Irish coastline and Celtic Sea (visible during early climb if weather permits), the mid-Atlantic open ocean (no landmarks), and the approach to North America via the Canadian Maritime provinces and New England coastline. The Appalachian Mountain chain becomes visible during descent into the Philadelphia region, running as a series of parallel ridges from northeast to southwest across Pennsylvania.