The right side combines a genuine coastal thread through the flight — New Jersey shore and New England coastline glimpses during the climb and early cruise — with the standout Firth of Forth and Forth Bridges view on landing, giving it more consistent scenic payoff than the left side's mostly inland, forested cruise view.
Flown PHL to EDI? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Edinburgh is 3,339 miles (5,374 km), a flight of about 6 hours 50 minutes.
Open North Atlantic Ocean between Newfoundland's Grand Banks and Ireland, with no land visible at the midpoint of the crossing
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTDeparting PHL on runway 09 sends the aircraft east directly over the Delaware River, and as the plane banks north onto its transatlantic heading, Philadelphia's Center City skyline and the Ben Franklin Bridge sit off the left side. The right side only shows Delaware Bay's flat marshland.
Landing at EDI
RIGHTOn the approach into EDI's runway 24, the aircraft crosses the Firth of Forth shortly before touchdown, putting the Forth Bridges and the Fife coastline in view on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter farmland south of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Edinburgh (EDI)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Edinburgh. The right side combines a genuine coastal thread through the flight — New Jersey shore and New England coastline glimpses during the climb and early cruise — with the standout Firth of Forth and Forth Bridges view on landing, giving it more consistent scenic payoff than the left side's mostly inland, forested cruise view.
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 PHL on runway 09 sends the aircraft east directly over the Delaware River, and as the plane banks north onto its transatlantic heading, Philadelphia's Center City skyline and the Ben Franklin Bridge sit off the left side. The right side only shows Delaware Bay's flat marshland. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline (Comcast Center, City Hall), Ben Franklin Bridge, Camden NJ waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Edinburgh in Edinburgh?
When landing at Edinburgh (EDI), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into EDI's runway 24, the aircraft crosses the Firth of Forth shortly before touchdown, putting the Forth Bridges and the Fife coastline in view on the right side. The left side mostly shows the flatter farmland south of the airport. Notable sights include: Firth of Forth, Forth Bridge (rail cantilever), Queensferry Crossing, Fife coastline.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Edinburgh?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Edinburgh (EDI) takes about 6 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,339 miles (5,374 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Edinburgh flight path pass over?
Open North Atlantic Ocean between Newfoundland's Grand Banks and Ireland, with no land visible at the midpoint of the crossing