While takeoff offers good river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande valley. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this westbound flight.
Flown PHL to ABQ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Albuquerque is 1,743 miles (2,805 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys in Pennsylvania and West Virginia), the Ohio River valley, the Mississippi River near St. Louis, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri, and the High Plains of Oklahoma and Texas before reaching the Rocky Mountain transition zone near New Mexico. The most visually distinctive midpoint feature is the Mississippi River crossing, typically visible around 2 hours into the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Delaware River and the urban grid of Philadelphia as you climb westward. The river's distinctive curves and the city's layout are clearly visible during the initial climb-out.
Landing at ABQ
LEFTLeft side provides excellent views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley as you descend into Albuquerque. The mountains' dramatic east-facing escarpment and the city's position in the valley are striking during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Albuquerque. While takeoff offers good river views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery with the Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande valley. The left side captures the most memorable portion of this westbound flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Delaware River and the urban grid of Philadelphia as you climb westward. The river's distinctive curves and the city's layout are clearly visible during the initial climb-out. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia city center and grid pattern, Ben Franklin Bridge, Schuylkill River confluence.
What can I see when landing at Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque?
When landing at Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides excellent views of the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande valley as you descend into Albuquerque. The mountains' dramatic east-facing escarpment and the city's position in the valley are striking during final approach. Notable sights include: Sandia Mountains, Rio Grande valley, Albuquerque city sprawl, Kirtland Air Force Base.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Albuquerque?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,743 miles (2,805 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Albuquerque flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (visible as ridgelines and valleys in Pennsylvania and West Virginia), the Ohio River valley, the Mississippi River near St. Louis, the Ozark Plateau in Missouri, and the High Plains of Oklahoma and Texas before reaching the Rocky Mountain transition zone near New Mexico. The most visually distinctive midpoint feature is the Mississippi River crossing, typically visible around 2 hours into the flight.