While takeoff offers brief scenic interest over Madison's lakes, the landing approach into Philadelphia provides more sustained and dramatic views of major urban and water features. The Schuylkill River, downtown skyline, and Delaware River estuary create a more compelling visual experience during descent.
Flown MSN to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Madison to Philadelphia is 762 miles (1,227 km), a flight of about 2 hours 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau region. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible if flying south of direct route), the ridge-and-valley topography of Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains appearing as parallel linear ridges running northeast-southwest, and the transition from glaciated Midwest terrain to the older, more eroded Appalachian landscape. The Susquehanna River may be visible in southeastern Pennsylvania during descent phase. Major cities along or near the route include Columbus, Ohio (if routed south) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (if routed more directly). The terrain gradually transitions from flat agricultural land to increasingly hilly and forested Appalachian country.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSN
RIGHTClimbing northeast from Madison, right-side seats offer views of Lake Mendota and the Isthmus of Madison before the aircraft turns eastward. Left seats face inland toward farmland with less visual interest during initial climb.
Landing at PHL
LEFTDescending into Philadelphia from the west, left-side seats provide excellent views of the Schuylkill River, downtown Philadelphia's skyline, and the Delaware River estuary during final approach. Right seats face toward New Jersey with less distinctive urban features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Madison to Philadelphia. While takeoff offers brief scenic interest over Madison's lakes, the landing approach into Philadelphia provides more sustained and dramatic views of major urban and water features. The Schuylkill River, downtown skyline, and Delaware River estuary create a more compelling visual experience during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld in Madison?
During takeoff from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing northeast from Madison, right-side seats offer views of Lake Mendota and the Isthmus of Madison before the aircraft turns eastward. Left seats face inland toward farmland with less visual interest during initial climb. Notable sights include: Lake Mendota (directly below during climb), the Madison Isthmus separating Mendota from Monona Lake, downtown Madison's grid pattern, surrounding Wisconsin farmland and glacial lakes.
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. Descending into Philadelphia from the west, left-side seats provide excellent views of the Schuylkill River, downtown Philadelphia's skyline, and the Delaware River estuary during final approach. Right seats face toward New Jersey with less distinctive urban features. Notable sights include: Schuylkill River winding through Philadelphia, downtown Philadelphia skyline with distinctive high-rises, Delaware River and its industrial waterfront, the convergence of Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers near the airport.
How long is the flight from Madison to Philadelphia?
The flight from Dane Co Rgnl Truax Fld (MSN) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 762 miles (1,227 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Madison to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau region. Notable features include the Ohio River valley (visible if flying south of direct route), the ridge-and-valley topography of Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains appearing as parallel linear ridges running northeast-southwest, and the transition from glaciated Midwest terrain to the older, more eroded Appalachian landscape. The Susquehanna River may be visible in southeastern Pennsylvania during descent phase. Major cities along or near the route include Columbus, Ohio (if routed south) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (if routed more directly). The terrain gradually transitions from flat agricultural land to increasingly hilly and forested Appalachian country.