While the takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into Philadelphia provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left, with the river systems and downtown skyline being more visually distinctive than the northern departure.
Flown YUL to PHL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Philadelphia is 394 miles (634 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Hudson River valley near New York City (visible from altitude as a major river corridor and urban sprawl), then continues south over the Appalachian foothills of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Delaware Water Gap marks the boundary between New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the midpoint region. Numerous lakes and reservoirs dot the landscape between the two cities, including reservoirs in the Catskill region. The terrain transitions from the Canadian Shield and Laurentian uplands in the north to the Atlantic Coastal Plain as you approach Philadelphia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs out on a typical southbound departure. You'll see the river's broad expanse and the forested ridgelines receding to the north.
Landing at PHL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Philadelphia, with clear sightlines of the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and central Philadelphia's downtown grid. The typical approach vector from the north gives left-seat passengers the best perspective of the city and river systems.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Philadelphia. While the takeoff offers good views on the right, the landing approach into Philadelphia provides more dramatic and sustained scenery on the left, with the river systems and downtown skyline being more visually distinctive than the northern departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs out on a typical southbound departure. You'll see the river's broad expanse and the forested ridgelines receding to the north. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains (Chaîne de la Laurentide), Montreal urban sprawl, Lake of Two Mountains.
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Philadelphia, with clear sightlines of the Delaware River, the Schuylkill River, and central Philadelphia's downtown grid. The typical approach vector from the north gives left-seat passengers the best perspective of the city and river systems. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Schuylkill River, Philadelphia downtown skyline, Fairmount Park.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Philadelphia?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 394 miles (634 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Hudson River valley near New York City (visible from altitude as a major river corridor and urban sprawl), then continues south over the Appalachian foothills of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The Delaware Water Gap marks the boundary between New Jersey and Pennsylvania in the midpoint region. Numerous lakes and reservoirs dot the landscape between the two cities, including reservoirs in the Catskill region. The terrain transitions from the Canadian Shield and Laurentian uplands in the north to the Atlantic Coastal Plain as you approach Philadelphia.