Left-side seats dominate this eastbound transatlantic crossing. Takeoff offers river views, but the landing approach into Le Bourget from the west provides superior sightlines to Paris, the Seine valley, and the Île-de-France landscape—the most visually rewarding portion of the flight.
Flown PHL to LBG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Paris is 3,715 miles (5,978 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude due to cloud cover and distance). Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's influence on ocean color and cloud patterns. Approaching Europe, the flight descends over the Irish Sea and Wales, then crosses the English Channel and Normandy coast before heading southeast toward Paris. The Normandy coastline, English Channel, and the Loire Valley are visible during descent if weather permits.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
RIGHTPHL typically departs eastbound (Runways 09L/09R) or westbound (27L/27R). Right-side seats offer views of the Delaware River estuary and the New Jersey marshlands during initial climb. If departing westbound, right seats show the Schuylkill River valley and the Philadelphia urban grid spreading inland.
Landing at LBG
LEFTApproaching Le Bourget from the west (typical transatlantic arrival routing), left-side seats provide views of the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France region, and Paris itself during descent. The airport sits north of Paris, so westbound approaches offer the best sightlines to the city's landmarks and the surrounding agricultural landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Le Bourget (LBG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Paris. Left-side seats dominate this eastbound transatlantic crossing. Takeoff offers river views, but the landing approach into Le Bourget from the west provides superior sightlines to Paris, the Seine valley, and the Île-de-France landscape—the most visually rewarding portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. PHL typically departs eastbound (Runways 09L/09R) or westbound (27L/27R). Right-side seats offer views of the Delaware River estuary and the New Jersey marshlands during initial climb. If departing westbound, right seats show the Schuylkill River valley and the Philadelphia urban grid spreading inland. Notable sights include: Delaware River estuary, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia skyline (William Penn statue visible on City Hall), New Jersey Pine Barrens to the northeast.
What can I see when landing at Le Bourget in Paris?
When landing at Le Bourget (LBG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching Le Bourget from the west (typical transatlantic arrival routing), left-side seats provide views of the Seine River valley, the Île-de-France region, and Paris itself during descent. The airport sits north of Paris, so westbound approaches offer the best sightlines to the city's landmarks and the surrounding agricultural landscape. Notable sights include: Seine River and its meanders, Paris city center (Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame visible on clear days), Île-de-France farmland and forests, Montmartre and northern Paris districts.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Paris?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Le Bourget (LBG) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,715 miles (5,978 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Paris flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 35,000 feet, passing south of Greenland and Iceland (not visible at cruise altitude due to cloud cover and distance). Over the Atlantic, passengers may see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's influence on ocean color and cloud patterns. Approaching Europe, the flight descends over the Irish Sea and Wales, then crosses the English Channel and Normandy coast before heading southeast toward Paris. The Normandy coastline, English Channel, and the Loire Valley are visible during descent if weather permits.