The left side strings together three distinct urban views on a short flight — the Philadelphia skyline and Delaware River at departure, a distant glimpse of the New York City skyline during the brief cruise, and Boston's downtown towers and harbor on arrival — while the right side mostly shows open Long Island Sound and featureless suburban terrain.
Flown PHL to BOS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Boston is 279 miles (450 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
New York City skyline visible in the distance to the west, Long Island Sound, the Connecticut shoreline, and the Rhode Island coastline near Providence
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTDepartures off PHL's runway 09 climb out over the Delaware River before the aircraft banks left onto its northeasterly track toward Boston, keeping the Philadelphia skyline and river bend visible on the left side of the cabin during that turn.
Landing at BOS
LEFTOn approach into Logan, the flight path from the southwest swings the aircraft over Boston Harbor, and the left-side windows face the downtown skyline and financial district skyscrapers as the plane lines up with the runway near the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Boston. The left side strings together three distinct urban views on a short flight — the Philadelphia skyline and Delaware River at departure, a distant glimpse of the New York City skyline during the brief cruise, and Boston's downtown towers and harbor on arrival — while the right side mostly shows open Long Island Sound and featureless suburban terrain.
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. Departures off PHL's runway 09 climb out over the Delaware River before the aircraft banks left onto its northeasterly track toward Boston, keeping the Philadelphia skyline and river bend visible on the left side of the cabin during that turn. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline (Center City towers), Camden/NJ waterfront.
What can I see when landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International in Boston?
When landing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Logan, the flight path from the southwest swings the aircraft over Boston Harbor, and the left-side windows face the downtown skyline and financial district skyscrapers as the plane lines up with the runway near the water. Notable sights include: Boston skyline (financial district towers), Boston Harbor, Logan Airport's harbor-side runways, Charles River mouth.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Boston?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to General Edward Lawrence Logan International (BOS) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 279 miles (450 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Boston flight path pass over?
New York City skyline visible in the distance to the west, Long Island Sound, the Connecticut shoreline, and the Rhode Island coastline near Providence