New Orleans to Philadelphia flight path: MSY to PHL

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from New Orleans to Philadelphia. While takeoff and landing favor the right side with New Orleans and Philadelphia's skyline, the cruise phase on the left offers a sustained view of the Appalachian ridgelines through Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, giving it more textured, varied terrain over the length of the flight.

During takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs out from MSY and turns north toward the flight's northeast track, the right side offers views of downtown New Orleans, the French Quarter, and the winding bends of the Mississippi River before the plane banks away from the city. Notable sights include: Mississippi River meanders, downtown New Orleans skyline, French Quarter, Lake Pontchartrain in the distance.

When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into PHL from the south or southwest, the right side typically faces the Delaware River and the Philadelphia skyline, giving passengers a good look at Center City's skyscrapers and the river's industrial waterfront before touchdown. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia Center City skyline, Walt Whitman Bridge, Schuylkill River confluence.

The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,088 miles (1,751 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses the Appalachian Mountains near the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge range along the Tennessee-Virginia-North Carolina border before descending toward the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain.