While the Phoenix takeoff on the left offers good desert and mountain scenery, the Philadelphia landing on the right provides more dramatic urban and water features. The Delaware River approach is visually distinctive and the city skyline is a compelling focal point that outweighs the desert basin views at departure.
Flown LUF to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Philadelphia is 2,088 miles (3,360 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Mogollon Rim escarpment in central Arizona, then traverses the high desert plateau of New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. Notable features include the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains) of the Texas Panhandle, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri and Arkansas, and the Appalachian foothills as you approach Pennsylvania. The Mississippi River is visible during the mid-flight segment over Tennessee and Kentucky.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LUF
LEFTLeft side offers immediate views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin. You'll see the sprawl of Phoenix itself and the nearby mountain ranges that frame the valley.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during the descent into Philadelphia. You'll see the Delaware River, the industrial corridor along the river, and the city skyline approaching from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Luke Afb (LUF) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Philadelphia. While the Phoenix takeoff on the left offers good desert and mountain scenery, the Philadelphia landing on the right provides more dramatic urban and water features. The Delaware River approach is visually distinctive and the city skyline is a compelling focal point that outweighs the desert basin views at departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Luke Afb in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Luke Afb (LUF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers immediate views of the Phoenix metropolitan area and the surrounding desert basin. You'll see the sprawl of Phoenix itself and the nearby mountain ranges that frame the valley. Notable sights include: Phoenix city grid, South Mountain Park, Superstition Mountains (southeast), Camelback Mountain.
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. Right side provides excellent views during the descent into Philadelphia. You'll see the Delaware River, the industrial corridor along the river, and the city skyline approaching from the west. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline and downtown core, Schuylkill River, New Jersey industrial areas.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Philadelphia?
The flight from Luke Afb (LUF) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,088 miles (3,360 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mogollon Rim escarpment in central Arizona, then traverses the high desert plateau of New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. Notable features include the Rio Grande valley near El Paso, the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains) of the Texas Panhandle, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri and Arkansas, and the Appalachian foothills as you approach Pennsylvania. The Mississippi River is visible during the mid-flight segment over Tennessee and Kentucky.