The left side wins on both ends of the flight—Philadelphia's skyline and river at departure, and Orlando's lake-dotted approach at arrival—while the right side offers only flat, featureless inland terrain throughout.
Flown PHL to MCO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Orlando is 863 miles (1,389 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Chesapeake Bay region, coastal Virginia and Carolina lowlands, Savannah River basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTDeparting PHL to the south, the initial climb and turn give a brief look back at the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River before the aircraft settles onto its southbound track over the coastal plain. The right side only shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features.
Landing at MCO
LEFTOn approach into MCO from the north in south-flow conditions, the descent path passes over central Florida's lake district, and the left side offers views of Orlando's downtown skyline and the many round lakes that dot the landscape before the final turn to runway 17. The right side mostly faces flat, undistinguished scrubland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Orlando International (MCO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Orlando. The left side wins on both ends of the flight—Philadelphia's skyline and river at departure, and Orlando's lake-dotted approach at arrival—while the right side offers only flat, featureless inland terrain throughout.
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 to the south, the initial climb and turn give a brief look back at the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River before the aircraft settles onto its southbound track over the coastal plain. The right side only shows flat suburban sprawl with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline, South Jersey wetlands.
What can I see when landing at Orlando International in Orlando?
When landing at Orlando International (MCO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MCO from the north in south-flow conditions, the descent path passes over central Florida's lake district, and the left side offers views of Orlando's downtown skyline and the many round lakes that dot the landscape before the final turn to runway 17. The right side mostly faces flat, undistinguished scrubland. Notable sights include: Orlando downtown skyline, Lake Apopka, central Florida lake district.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Orlando?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Orlando International (MCO) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 863 miles (1,389 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Orlando flight path pass over?
Chesapeake Bay region, coastal Virginia and Carolina lowlands, Savannah River basin