Philadelphia to New Orleans flight path: PHL to MSY

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to New Orleans. The right side offers more varied scenery overall, from distant views of the southern Appalachian ridgelines during cruise to the dramatic lake and wetland approach into New Orleans, while the left side is dominated by flat coastal plain and farmland.

During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PHL to the west then banking south toward the Gulf, passengers on the left get a last look at the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River before the turn establishes the southbound cruise track over Maryland and Virginia. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, South Philadelphia refineries, Schuylkill River confluence.

When landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MSY the flight path typically crosses Lake Pontchartrain, giving passengers on the right a sweeping view of the lake, the Causeway bridge, and the wetlands and bayous surrounding New Orleans before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Mississippi River delta wetlands, New Orleans skyline.

The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,088 miles (1,751 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

Southern Appalachian foothills near Virginia/Tennessee border, Tennessee River valley, rolling Piedmont farmland of the Carolinas and Georgia before the terrain flattens into the Gulf coastal plain