The left side wins narrowly thanks to the Lake Michigan shoreline and Milwaukee skyline visible right after takeoff, a genuinely scenic moment that the mostly flat Midwest cruise and standard PHL arrival don't otherwise offer much competition against.
Flown MKE to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Milwaukee to Philadelphia is 689 miles (1,108 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
Flat farmland of southern Michigan and Ohio, with the Maumee River valley and rolling terrain of western Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau visible before descent into the Philadelphia area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MKE
LEFTDeparting MKE eastbound toward PHL, the aircraft climbs out near the Lake Michigan shoreline, giving left-side passengers a clear view of downtown Milwaukee's skyline and the lake's blue expanse before the turn onto the eastbound track. The right side mostly shows flat suburban grids with little to distinguish it.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTOn approach into PHL from the west, arriving aircraft typically swing south and east before lining up on the runway, putting the Delaware River and Center City Philadelphia's skyline on the right side of the cabin during the turn. The left side during this maneuver mostly faces suburban New Jersey with less visual interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from General Mitchell International (MKE) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Milwaukee to Philadelphia. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the Lake Michigan shoreline and Milwaukee skyline visible right after takeoff, a genuinely scenic moment that the mostly flat Midwest cruise and standard PHL arrival don't otherwise offer much competition against.
What can I see during takeoff from General Mitchell International in Milwaukee?
During takeoff from General Mitchell International (MKE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing MKE eastbound toward PHL, the aircraft climbs out near the Lake Michigan shoreline, giving left-side passengers a clear view of downtown Milwaukee's skyline and the lake's blue expanse before the turn onto the eastbound track. The right side mostly shows flat suburban grids with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Lake Michigan shoreline, downtown Milwaukee skyline, Milwaukee harbor breakwater.
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. On approach into PHL from the west, arriving aircraft typically swing south and east before lining up on the runway, putting the Delaware River and Center City Philadelphia's skyline on the right side of the cabin during the turn. The left side during this maneuver mostly faces suburban New Jersey with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Center City Philadelphia skyline, Philadelphia International Airport's Schuylkill River approach.
How long is the flight from Milwaukee to Philadelphia?
The flight from General Mitchell International (MKE) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 689 miles (1,108 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Milwaukee to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of southern Michigan and Ohio, with the Maumee River valley and rolling terrain of western Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau visible before descent into the Philadelphia area.