Left side wins at both ends of the flight — Philadelphia's skyline and the Delaware River on departure, and the full panorama of central London including the Thames and Canary Wharf on the iconic Heathrow approach. The right side offers open Atlantic and English countryside, which are less visually distinctive.
Flight Path
The route tracks northeast from Philadelphia over New England, then crosses Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before heading across the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the coastline of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks below, then open ocean for several hours. Approaching Europe, the southwest tip of Ireland (County Kerry and Cork) comes into view, followed by the Celtic Sea, Wales or southern England depending on routing, before descending into Heathrow.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTPHL typically departs northeast on runway 27L/27R or southeast on 9L/9R. On the common westbound departure then northeast turn, the left side captures the Philadelphia skyline, the Delaware River, and Center City. On runway 9 departures heading east, the left side looks north over the city grid and the Ben Franklin Bridge.
Landing at LHR
LEFTHeathrow's primary arrival runways 27L and 27R bring aircraft in from the east heading west. On this approach, the left side faces south and captures central London — the Thames, Tower Bridge, the City of London, and Canary Wharf — spread out clearly during the descent through 5,000 to 8,000 feet.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Heathrow (LHR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to London. Left side wins at both ends of the flight — Philadelphia's skyline and the Delaware River on departure, and the full panorama of central London including the Thames and Canary Wharf on the iconic Heathrow approach. The right side offers open Atlantic and English countryside, which are less visually distinctive.
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 typically departs northeast on runway 27L/27R or southeast on 9L/9R. On the common westbound departure then northeast turn, the left side captures the Philadelphia skyline, the Delaware River, and Center City. On runway 9 departures heading east, the left side looks north over the city grid and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Notable sights include: Philadelphia Center City skyline, Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, Delaware Valley suburban sprawl.
What can I see when landing at Heathrow in London?
When landing at Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's primary arrival runways 27L and 27R bring aircraft in from the east heading west. On this approach, the left side faces south and captures central London — the Thames, Tower Bridge, the City of London, and Canary Wharf — spread out clearly during the descent through 5,000 to 8,000 feet. Notable sights include: River Thames, Canary Wharf towers, City of London/Gherkin cluster, Windsor Castle (on extended final).
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to London?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Heathrow (LHR) takes Approximately 7 to 7.5 hours.
What does the Philadelphia to London flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast from Philadelphia over New England, then crosses Nova Scotia and Newfoundland before heading across the North Atlantic. Passengers may see the coastline of Newfoundland and the Grand Banks below, then open ocean for several hours. Approaching Europe, the southwest tip of Ireland (County Kerry and Cork) comes into view, followed by the Celtic Sea, Wales or southern England depending on routing, before descending into Heathrow.