The left side offers more sustained variety across the flight — Philadelphia's skyline and coastal New England near departure, and glimpses of the Canadian Maritimes and Irish coast during cruise — while the right side is dominated by open North Atlantic water for most of the flight, only redeemed by the Alpine view on final approach.
Flight Path
The great-circle track passes north of the main shipping lanes, crossing the Gulf of Maine, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland before a long stretch of open North Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland and near Iceland, with no land visible for several hours until the Irish coast comes into view.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTDeparting PHL on runway 09, the initial climb and left turn toward the northeast puts Philadelphia's skyline and the Delaware River on the left side. As the route curves north toward New England, the left side also picks up glimpses of the Jersey/Long Island coastline before the climb to cruise altitude.
Landing at ZRH
RIGHTOn the morning runway 14 approach into Zurich, the aircraft descends from the northeast and turns to land heading southeast, putting the snow-capped Alpine ridgeline and Lake Zurich on the right side of the cabin during the final descent. This is the one clearly dramatic terrain moment of the whole flight.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Zurich (ZRH)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Zurich. The left side offers more sustained variety across the flight — Philadelphia's skyline and coastal New England near departure, and glimpses of the Canadian Maritimes and Irish coast during cruise — while the right side is dominated by open North Atlantic water for most of the flight, only redeemed by the Alpine view on final approach.
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 on runway 09, the initial climb and left turn toward the northeast puts Philadelphia's skyline and the Delaware River on the left side. As the route curves north toward New England, the left side also picks up glimpses of the Jersey/Long Island coastline before the climb to cruise altitude. Notable sights include: Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, South Jersey coastline, Long Island Sound.
What can I see when landing at Zurich in Zurich?
When landing at Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the morning runway 14 approach into Zurich, the aircraft descends from the northeast and turns to land heading southeast, putting the snow-capped Alpine ridgeline and Lake Zurich on the right side of the cabin during the final descent. This is the one clearly dramatic terrain moment of the whole flight. Notable sights include: Swiss Alps (Glarus Alps/Säntis massif), Lake Zurich, city of Zurich, Zurichsee shoreline towns.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Zurich?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Zurich (ZRH) takes 7h 50m.
What does the Philadelphia to Zurich flight path pass over?
The great-circle track passes north of the main shipping lanes, crossing the Gulf of Maine, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland before a long stretch of open North Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland and near Iceland, with no land visible for several hours until the Irish coast comes into view.