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 Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Philadelphia. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The takeoff delivers Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline, and the landing delivers the Philadelphia skyline and Delaware River. During the cruise over the northern Rockies and Great Plains, both sides are roughly equivalent, but the left side's bookend views make it the clear overall choice.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Left side for the best views. SEA primarily departs on runways 16L/16R heading south, then aircraft turn east. The left side gets a clear view of Mount Rainier dominating the southeast horizon, with the full expanse of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline visible during the initial climb and turn. The Cascade Range lines up beautifully on the left as the plane banks eastward. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Seattle city skyline and Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, Cascade Range foothills.
What can I see when landing at Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
When landing at Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHL typically lands on runways 27L/27R approaching from the east heading west, or on 09s heading east. On the common westward approach over New Jersey, the left side faces south and gets the Delaware River, the Philadelphia skyline, and the Ben Franklin Bridge clearly in view on final approach. The right side faces north toward less distinctive New Jersey suburbs. Notable sights include: Philadelphia city skyline, Delaware River, Ben Franklin Bridge, South Philadelphia waterfront.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Philadelphia?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Seattle to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast over the Cascades and northern Idaho, then across the Rocky Mountains of Montana and Wyoming, the high plains of South Dakota and Nebraska, the Mississippi River near Iowa, the flat agricultural grid of Indiana and Ohio, and the Appalachian ridges of Pennsylvania before descending into Philadelphia. The Rockies and Appalachians are the most visually distinctive features at cruise altitude.