Left side scores marginally higher due to the scenic takeoff sequence over central Florida's lake system and the visual variety of water features during climb-out. The landing approach on both sides is relatively unremarkable—neither offers dramatic terrain or distinctive landmarks. This is a short, flat-to-gently-rolling route over the eastern United States with limited mountain scenery or coastal features. Left's lake views during departure provide slightly more visual interest than right's suburban approach.
Flown SFB to ABE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Orlando to Allentown/Bethlehem is 884 miles (1,422 km), a flight of about 2 hours 25 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (primarily the Blue Ridge and Ridge-and-Valley provinces) in central Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At cruise altitude (typically 30,000-35,000 feet), passengers see the broad, forested ridgelines of the Appalachians running northeast-southwest. The route also passes over or near the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia and the ridge systems of eastern West Virginia and Pennsylvania. No major rivers, lakes, or dramatic peaks are prominently visible at cruise altitude from this route—the Appalachians appear as a series of parallel, rounded, forested ridges with valleys between them. The terrain transitions from flat central Florida through the rolling Piedmont of Georgia and the Carolinas, then into the more pronounced (but still modest) Appalachian highlands of West Virginia and Pennsylvania before descending into the Lehigh Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFB
LEFTLeft side captures the initial climb-out over central Florida's lakes and wetlands. Depending on runway direction (09L/27R primary), westbound departures offer views of the chain of lakes around Sanford and the broader Orlando metropolitan area sprawl.
Landing at ABE
RIGHTRight side during approach to ABE (runway 06/24 primary, northeast-southwest orientation) offers views of the Lehigh Valley's rolling terrain and the transition from rural Pennsylvania farmland into the Allentown metropolitan area. The descent path reveals the Appalachian foothills and the urban core.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Orlando to Allentown/Bethlehem. Left side scores marginally higher due to the scenic takeoff sequence over central Florida's lake system and the visual variety of water features during climb-out. The landing approach on both sides is relatively unremarkable—neither offers dramatic terrain or distinctive landmarks. This is a short, flat-to-gently-rolling route over the eastern United States with limited mountain scenery or coastal features. Left's lake views during departure provide slightly more visual interest than right's suburban approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Orlando Sanford International Airport in Orlando?
During takeoff from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the initial climb-out over central Florida's lakes and wetlands. Depending on runway direction (09L/27R primary), westbound departures offer views of the chain of lakes around Sanford and the broader Orlando metropolitan area sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Monroe, Wekiwa Springs area, Orlando urban sprawl to the southwest, chain of central Florida lakes.
What can I see when landing at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown/Bethlehem?
When landing at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side during approach to ABE (runway 06/24 primary, northeast-southwest orientation) offers views of the Lehigh Valley's rolling terrain and the transition from rural Pennsylvania farmland into the Allentown metropolitan area. The descent path reveals the Appalachian foothills and the urban core. Notable sights include: Lehigh Valley urban area, Appalachian foothills to the north and west, Lehigh River valley, suburban sprawl of Allentown/Bethlehem.
How long is the flight from Orlando to Allentown/Bethlehem?
The flight from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) to Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) takes about 2 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 884 miles (1,422 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Orlando to Allentown/Bethlehem flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian Mountains (primarily the Blue Ridge and Ridge-and-Valley provinces) in central Pennsylvania and West Virginia. At cruise altitude (typically 30,000-35,000 feet), passengers see the broad, forested ridgelines of the Appalachians running northeast-southwest. The route also passes over or near the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia and the ridge systems of eastern West Virginia and Pennsylvania. No major rivers, lakes, or dramatic peaks are prominently visible at cruise altitude from this route—the Appalachians appear as a series of parallel, rounded, forested ridges with valleys between them. The terrain transitions from flat central Florida through the rolling Piedmont of Georgia and the Carolinas, then into the more pronounced (but still modest) Appalachian highlands of West Virginia and Pennsylvania before descending into the Lehigh Valley.