While the Phoenix departure gives the left side a strong start, the right side's payoff on arrival — the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, and Philadelphia skyline framed together on final approach — is the single most memorable moment of the flight and tips the balance.
Flown PHX to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Phoenix to Philadelphia is 2,071 miles (3,332 km), a flight of about 4 hours 25 minutes.
Rio Grande Valley and Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, the flat farmland of the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, and the forested ridges of the Appalachians across West Virginia and central Pennsylvania
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHX
LEFTEastbound departures out of Sky Harbor typically bank the aircraft to reveal the north side of the valley, putting Camelback Mountain and the Papago Buttes right under the wing before the climb continues toward the Superstition Mountains on the horizon. The right side mainly shows South Mountain Park, which is less distinctive by comparison.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTOn the typical westbound landing into PHL, the final approach crosses the Delaware River from the New Jersey side, putting the Philadelphia skyline, the river, and the Ben Franklin Bridge on the right side of the aircraft just before touchdown. The left side during this approach mostly shows flat South Jersey suburbs and farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phoenix to Philadelphia. While the Phoenix departure gives the left side a strong start, the right side's payoff on arrival — the Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, and Philadelphia skyline framed together on final approach — is the single most memorable moment of the flight and tips the balance.
What can I see during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International in Phoenix?
During takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Eastbound departures out of Sky Harbor typically bank the aircraft to reveal the north side of the valley, putting Camelback Mountain and the Papago Buttes right under the wing before the climb continues toward the Superstition Mountains on the horizon. The right side mainly shows South Mountain Park, which is less distinctive by comparison. Notable sights include: Camelback Mountain, Papago Buttes (Hole-in-the-Rock), McDowell Mountains, Superstition Mountains in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical westbound landing into PHL, the final approach crosses the Delaware River from the New Jersey side, putting the Philadelphia skyline, the river, and the Ben Franklin Bridge on the right side of the aircraft just before touchdown. The left side during this approach mostly shows flat South Jersey suburbs and farmland. Notable sights include: Philadelphia Center City skyline, Delaware River, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Camden NJ waterfront.
How long is the flight from Phoenix to Philadelphia?
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 4 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,071 miles (3,332 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phoenix to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Rio Grande Valley and Sandia Mountains near Albuquerque, the flat farmland of the Texas Panhandle and Oklahoma, the Mississippi River crossing near St. Louis, and the forested ridges of the Appalachians across West Virginia and central Pennsylvania