The left side captures the two most scenic urban moments of the trip — Philadelphia's skyline on departure and Barcelona's skyline, Montjuïc, and coastline on arrival — while the right side faces mostly open ocean and featureless New Jersey pine barrens during takeoff.
Flown PHL to BCN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Barcelona is 3,915 miles (6,300 km), a flight of about 8 hours 15 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean for several hours, passing south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland with no land visible, before approaching the coasts of Ireland or southwest England/France near the end of the crossing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTDeparting east on runway 09, the aircraft climbs directly over the Delaware River before banking north-northeast to get on course for the Atlantic crossing. That turn puts Philadelphia's Center City skyline and the Schuylkill River confluence squarely on the left side.
Landing at BCN
LEFTArriving from the northwest after crossing France and the Pyrenees, flights descending into Barcelona typically swing along the Catalan coast before lining up on final approach, keeping Barcelona's skyline, Montjuïc hill, and the Mediterranean coastline on the left side during the turn-in.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Barcelona (BCN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Barcelona. The left side captures the two most scenic urban moments of the trip — Philadelphia's skyline on departure and Barcelona's skyline, Montjuïc, and coastline on arrival — while the right side faces mostly open ocean and featureless New Jersey pine barrens during takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing east on runway 09, the aircraft climbs directly over the Delaware River before banking north-northeast to get on course for the Atlantic crossing. That turn puts Philadelphia's Center City skyline and the Schuylkill River confluence squarely on the left side. Notable sights include: Philadelphia Center City skyline, Delaware River, Camden NJ waterfront, Schuylkill River mouth.
What can I see when landing at Barcelona in Barcelona?
When landing at Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving from the northwest after crossing France and the Pyrenees, flights descending into Barcelona typically swing along the Catalan coast before lining up on final approach, keeping Barcelona's skyline, Montjuïc hill, and the Mediterranean coastline on the left side during the turn-in. Notable sights include: Pyrenees foothills on the horizon, Barcelona skyline including Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc hill, Mediterranean coastline.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Barcelona?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Barcelona (BCN) takes about 8 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,915 miles (6,300 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Barcelona flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean for several hours, passing south of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland with no land visible, before approaching the coasts of Ireland or southwest England/France near the end of the crossing.