While the left side wins the takeoff with Coronado Bay views, the right side offers more cumulative interest: glimpses of Sonoran Desert terrain and the southern Rockies' foothills during cruise, plus a strong skyline view of Philadelphia on final approach.
Flown SAN to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Diego to Philadelphia is 2,365 miles (3,806 km), a flight of about 4 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Sonoran Desert and southern New Mexico highlands, skirts the southern Rocky Mountains near Albuquerque, then flattens out over the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and the Great Plains before rising again over the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAN
LEFTDeparting SAN on Runway 27, the initial climb heads west over San Diego Bay before turning east. Left-side (south-facing) windows get a clean view of the Coronado Bridge, the Coronado peninsula, and the bay itself, while the right side mostly sees Point Loma's hillside in a less dramatic angle.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTPHL arrivals typically land on Runway 27 (heading west), approaching from the east over the Delaware River. Since the airport sits south of Center City, the skyline and river frame nicely on the right side during the final descent, while the left side shows mostly South Jersey suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Diego to Philadelphia. While the left side wins the takeoff with Coronado Bay views, the right side offers more cumulative interest: glimpses of Sonoran Desert terrain and the southern Rockies' foothills during cruise, plus a strong skyline view of Philadelphia on final approach.
What can I see during takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld in San Diego?
During takeoff from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SAN on Runway 27, the initial climb heads west over San Diego Bay before turning east. Left-side (south-facing) windows get a clean view of the Coronado Bridge, the Coronado peninsula, and the bay itself, while the right side mostly sees Point Loma's hillside in a less dramatic angle. Notable sights include: Coronado Bridge, San Diego Bay, Hotel del Coronado, Silver Strand.
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. PHL arrivals typically land on Runway 27 (heading west), approaching from the east over the Delaware River. Since the airport sits south of Center City, the skyline and river frame nicely on the right side during the final descent, while the left side shows mostly South Jersey suburbs. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Center City Philadelphia skyline, Comcast Center, City Hall tower.
How long is the flight from San Diego to Philadelphia?
The flight from San Diego International Lindbergh Fld (SAN) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 4 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,365 miles (3,806 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Diego to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Sonoran Desert and southern New Mexico highlands, skirts the southern Rocky Mountains near Albuquerque, then flattens out over the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, and the Great Plains before rising again over the Appalachian ridges of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.