The right side wins both ends of the flight: dramatic volcanic peaks of the Cascades on departure from Seattle and skyline views of Philadelphia along the Delaware River on arrival, while the left side mostly faces open plains and less distinctive terrain during these phases.
Flight Path
Rocky Mountain Front near Montana's Glacier country, the flat farmland of North Dakota and Minnesota, the Great Lakes region around Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, and the forested ridges of the Appalachian Plateau as the flight nears Pennsylvania.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTSEA departures to the east typically climb south from the airport before banking left onto an easterly heading, putting the Cascade volcanoes squarely on the right side of the aircraft. Mount Rainier's glaciated summit dominates the view, with Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams also visible to the south as the plane climbs toward cruise altitude.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTPHL arrivals generally land toward the west on runway 27, which brings the aircraft in from the east and slightly north of the airport. This puts the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River off the right side of the cabin during the final descent and approach turn.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Philadelphia. The right side wins both ends of the flight: dramatic volcanic peaks of the Cascades on departure from Seattle and skyline views of Philadelphia along the Delaware River on arrival, while the left side mostly faces open plains and less distinctive terrain during these phases.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. SEA departures to the east typically climb south from the airport before banking left onto an easterly heading, putting the Cascade volcanoes squarely on the right side of the aircraft. Mount Rainier's glaciated summit dominates the view, with Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams also visible to the south as the plane climbs toward cruise altitude. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Cascade Range foothills.
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 generally land toward the west on runway 27, which brings the aircraft in from the east and slightly north of the airport. This puts the Philadelphia skyline and the Delaware River off the right side of the cabin during the final descent and approach turn. Notable sights include: Center City Philadelphia skyline, Delaware River, Camden NJ waterfront, Ben Franklin Bridge.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Philadelphia?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes 4h 50m.
What does the Seattle to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Rocky Mountain Front near Montana's Glacier country, the flat farmland of North Dakota and Minnesota, the Great Lakes region around Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, and the forested ridges of the Appalachian Plateau as the flight nears Pennsylvania.