Both sides spend most of the roughly seven-hour crossing over open Atlantic water, capping their scores, but the right side's approach into CDG offers a genuinely famous skyline view of Paris that outshines the regional city view on departure from PHL.
Flight Path
North Atlantic Ocean, passing south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks with no land visible for several hours before the Irish and French coasts come into view
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTPHL's eastbound departures use runway 09, climbing directly over the Delaware River with Center City Philadelphia's skyline sitting just to the north (left side) of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and downtown towers before the route turns north-northeast toward New England and the Atlantic track.
Landing at CDG
RIGHTUnder CDG's typical westerly wind configuration, arriving flights from the northwest are routed south of Paris before turning back to align with the runway, putting the Paris skyline on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. This gives a rare few minutes of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's curves, and the La Défense skyscraper cluster before the plane straightens out for landing north of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Paris. Both sides spend most of the roughly seven-hour crossing over open Atlantic water, capping their scores, but the right side's approach into CDG offers a genuinely famous skyline view of Paris that outshines the regional city view on departure from PHL.
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. PHL's eastbound departures use runway 09, climbing directly over the Delaware River with Center City Philadelphia's skyline sitting just to the north (left side) of the aircraft. Passengers get a brief but clear view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and downtown towers before the route turns north-northeast toward New England and the Atlantic track. Notable sights include: Philadelphia Center City skyline, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Delaware River, Camden NJ waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
When landing at Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Under CDG's typical westerly wind configuration, arriving flights from the northwest are routed south of Paris before turning back to align with the runway, putting the Paris skyline on the right side of the aircraft during the turn. This gives a rare few minutes of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine's curves, and the La Défense skyscraper cluster before the plane straightens out for landing north of the city. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River bends, La Défense skyscraper district, Sacré-Cœur.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Paris?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Charles De Gaulle (CDG) takes 7h 15m.
What does the Philadelphia to Paris flight path pass over?
North Atlantic Ocean, passing south of Newfoundland's Grand Banks with no land visible for several hours before the Irish and French coasts come into view