Philadelphia to Burlington flight pathPHLBRL

Sit on the left side of the plane

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Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 20m
Distance838
Heading279° → 269°

Philadelphia to Burlington is 838 miles (1,348 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.

Best side
LeftMostly left
★ 1.5 left·★ 1.5 right

Both sides score equally low (1.5) because this is a short 1h 15m flight over flat Midwestern terrain with minimal dramatic geography. However, the left side edges ahead slightly due to the Philadelphia skyline and Schuylkill River valley during departure, which provides more urban visual interest than the right side's Delaware estuary and marshlands. The cruise phase over central Pennsylvania and Ohio offers no significant advantage to either side—rolling farmland and small towns are visible from both windows. The landing at Burlington is similarly unremarkable from either side. Left is marginally preferable for the takeoff experience alone.

Takeoff · PHLLEFTPhiladelphia skyline, Schuylkill River valley, suburban Chester County grid pattern
Landing · BRLRIGHTDes Moines River valley, Burlington town center, Iowa farmland grid pattern

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Central Pennsylvania farmland and small towns (Harrisburg area to the south), Ohio River valley near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, gentle Appalachian foothills transitioning to flat Midwest, scattered lakes and reservoirs in Ohio, Indiana farmland grid pattern, Des Moines River valley approaching Burlington

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Philadelphia (left side) — Philadelphia skyline (downtown core visible during climb), Schuylkill River valley, suburban Chester County grid pattern

Takeoff from PHL

LEFT

Westbound departures from PHL typically use runways 27L/27R, which head over Philadelphia's urban core and western suburbs. Left-side passengers see the city skyline, the Schuylkill River valley, and suburban sprawl during initial climb. Right-side passengers see the Delaware River estuary and New Jersey marshlands, which are less visually distinctive.

Philadelphia skylineSchuylkill River valleysuburban Chester County grid pattern

Landing at BRL

RIGHT

Approach to BRL typically uses runway 18 (northbound) or 36 (southbound) depending on wind. For a westbound arrival, southbound approach (runway 36) is more likely. Right-side passengers on descent see the Des Moines River valley and the town of Burlington itself as the aircraft descends toward the airport. Left-side passengers see open farmland and prairie with fewer distinctive features.

Des Moines River valleyBurlington town centerIowa farmland grid patternairport grounds at BRL

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL)?

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Burlington. Both sides score equally low (1.5) because this is a short 1h 15m flight over flat Midwestern terrain with minimal dramatic geography. However, the left side edges ahead slightly due to the Philadelphia skyline and Schuylkill River valley during departure, which provides more urban visual interest than the right side's Delaware estuary and marshlands. The cruise phase over central Pennsylvania and Ohio offers no significant advantage to either side—rolling farmland and small towns are visible from both windows. The landing at Burlington is similarly unremarkable from either side. Left is marginally preferable for the takeoff experience alone.

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. Westbound departures from PHL typically use runways 27L/27R, which head over Philadelphia's urban core and western suburbs. Left-side passengers see the city skyline, the Schuylkill River valley, and suburban sprawl during initial climb. Right-side passengers see the Delaware River estuary and New Jersey marshlands, which are less visually distinctive. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline (downtown core visible during climb), Schuylkill River valley, suburban Chester County grid pattern.

What can I see when landing at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport in Burlington?

When landing at Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approach to BRL typically uses runway 18 (northbound) or 36 (southbound) depending on wind. For a westbound arrival, southbound approach (runway 36) is more likely. Right-side passengers on descent see the Des Moines River valley and the town of Burlington itself as the aircraft descends toward the airport. Left-side passengers see open farmland and prairie with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Des Moines River valley, Burlington town center, Iowa farmland grid pattern, airport grounds at BRL.

How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Burlington?

The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 838 miles (1,348 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Philadelphia to Burlington flight path pass over?

Central Pennsylvania farmland and small towns (Harrisburg area to the south), Ohio River valley near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, gentle Appalachian foothills transitioning to flat Midwest, scattered lakes and reservoirs in Ohio, Indiana farmland grid pattern, Des Moines River valley approaching Burlington