While the SFO departure favors the left side for Bay Area views, the PHL approach offers a more dramatic and recognizable skyline view over the Delaware River on the right, giving the right side a slight overall edge across the full flight.
Flight Path
Sierra Nevada foothills, Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, Rocky Mountain front range in Colorado, and the flat farmland of the Great Plains and Midwest
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTDeparting SFO on the eastbound runways, the climb-out curves over San Francisco Bay with the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge visible to the north on the left side. The right side mostly shows South Bay suburbs and Silicon Valley, which is less visually striking.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTPHL arrivals typically approach from the east on runway 27, flying west over the Delaware River and Camden before landing. The Philadelphia skyline and river sit to the north, visible on the right side of the aircraft during descent.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Philadelphia. While the SFO departure favors the left side for Bay Area views, the PHL approach offers a more dramatic and recognizable skyline view over the Delaware River on the right, giving the right side a slight overall edge across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing SFO on the eastbound runways, the climb-out curves over San Francisco Bay with the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge visible to the north on the left side. The right side mostly shows South Bay suburbs and Silicon Valley, which is less visually striking. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland/Berkeley hills.
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 approach from the east on runway 27, flying west over the Delaware River and Camden before landing. The Philadelphia skyline and river sit to the north, visible on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline (Center City towers), Camden waterfront, Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Philadelphia?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes 5h 05m.
What does the San Francisco to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
Sierra Nevada foothills, Great Basin desert of Nevada and Utah, Rocky Mountain front range in Colorado, and the flat farmland of the Great Plains and Midwest