While left offers better Philadelphia departure views, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The westbound route crosses the Appalachian plateau and Ohio River valley—terrain and river features that are more visible and dramatic from the right side of the aircraft. Landing views of Des Moines are also better from the right.
Flown PHL to DSM? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Des Moines is 970 miles (1,560 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Plateau (visible as rolling, forested terrain with ridge lines running northeast-southwest), the Ohio River valley near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, and eventually transitions into the flatter agricultural landscape of Indiana and Illinois. The Allegheny Mountains and their foothills dominate the midpoint geography. From the right side, you'll see river valleys and ridge patterns more clearly. The landscape gradually flattens as you move westward into the Corn Belt, with the grid pattern of Midwestern agriculture becoming increasingly visible.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia's urban grid as you climb westward. You'll see the city's downtown core and the river's distinctive curves before heading inland.
Landing at DSM
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Des Moines River and the city's downtown area as you descend from the east. The river's confluence and the urban core are clearly visible 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 Des Moines International (DSM)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Des Moines. While left offers better Philadelphia departure views, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight. The westbound route crosses the Appalachian plateau and Ohio River valley—terrain and river features that are more visible and dramatic from the right side of the aircraft. Landing views of Des Moines are also better from the right.
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. Left seats offer views of the Delaware River and Philadelphia's urban grid as you climb westward. You'll see the city's downtown core and the river's distinctive curves before heading inland. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia downtown skyline, Schuylkill River, New Jersey suburbs spreading westward.
What can I see when landing at Des Moines International in Des Moines?
When landing at Des Moines International (DSM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Des Moines River and the city's downtown area as you descend from the east. The river's confluence and the urban core are clearly visible during final approach. Notable sights include: Des Moines River, Des Moines downtown skyline, Raccoon River confluence, Iowa farmland grid.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Des Moines?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Des Moines International (DSM) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 970 miles (1,560 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Des Moines flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Plateau (visible as rolling, forested terrain with ridge lines running northeast-southwest), the Ohio River valley near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, and eventually transitions into the flatter agricultural landscape of Indiana and Illinois. The Allegheny Mountains and their foothills dominate the midpoint geography. From the right side, you'll see river valleys and ridge patterns more clearly. The landscape gradually flattens as you move westward into the Corn Belt, with the grid pattern of Midwestern agriculture becoming increasingly visible.