While left seats offer good Philadelphia departure views, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the London approach. The Thames and Isle of Dogs approach is more visually distinctive than the Philadelphia climb-out.
Flown PHL to LCY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to London is 3,556 miles (5,723 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The Atlantic Ocean dominates the mid-flight experience. Depending on exact routing, you may see the Irish coastline (County Cork or County Waterford) as you approach European airspace, followed by the Welsh coast or English Channel. The flight typically crosses the Atlantic at 35,000+ feet where individual landmarks become difficult to distinguish, but the curvature of the Earth and the vast open ocean provide their own visual drama. As you descend toward London, the English coastline becomes visible, with the Thames estuary and Kent marshlands appearing before the final approach into City Airport.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Delaware River and the urban grid of Philadelphia as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the Schuylkill River confluence and the city's downtown core receding beneath you during the initial climb.
Landing at LCY
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames River's distinctive meanders through East London, the Isle of Dogs peninsula, and Canary Wharf's skyline as you approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to City (LCY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to London. While left seats offer good Philadelphia departure views, right seats provide superior scenery for the majority of the flight and especially during the London approach. The Thames and Isle of Dogs approach is more visually distinctive than the Philadelphia climb-out.
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 the urban grid of Philadelphia as the aircraft climbs northeastward. You'll see the Schuylkill River confluence and the city's downtown core receding beneath you during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia downtown skyline, New Jersey Pine Barrens (distant).
What can I see when landing at City in London?
When landing at City (LCY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into London City Airport. You'll see the Thames River's distinctive meanders through East London, the Isle of Dogs peninsula, and Canary Wharf's skyline as you approach from the west. Notable sights include: River Thames, Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf, Greenwich Peninsula.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to London?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to City (LCY) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,556 miles (5,723 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to London flight path pass over?
The Atlantic Ocean dominates the mid-flight experience. Depending on exact routing, you may see the Irish coastline (County Cork or County Waterford) as you approach European airspace, followed by the Welsh coast or English Channel. The flight typically crosses the Atlantic at 35,000+ feet where individual landmarks become difficult to distinguish, but the curvature of the Earth and the vast open ocean provide their own visual drama. As you descend toward London, the English coastline becomes visible, with the Thames estuary and Kent marshlands appearing before the final approach into City Airport.