While the Alps give the left side a strong departure moment, the right side offers a more varied experience overall: a glimpse of the Atlantic Canadian coastline during the transatlantic crossing and a genuinely scenic river-and-skyline approach into Philadelphia.
Flight Path
The great-circle route passes near southern Ireland, then crosses the North Atlantic south of Greenland, over the Grand Banks near Newfoundland, and along the coast of Nova Scotia and Maine before descending into the northeastern United States.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTDeparting Zurich on runway 28, the aircraft climbs westward with the Swiss Alps and pre-Alps visible to the south, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of peaks like the Bernese Alps before the plane turns northwest toward the Atlantic.
Landing at PHL
RIGHTOn approach into Philadelphia landing west on runway 27L/27R, the flight path crosses the Delaware River and skirts north of the city, giving right-side passengers a view of the Philadelphia skyline and the river bends before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Philadelphia International (PHL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Philadelphia. While the Alps give the left side a strong departure moment, the right side offers a more varied experience overall: a glimpse of the Atlantic Canadian coastline during the transatlantic crossing and a genuinely scenic river-and-skyline approach into Philadelphia.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Zurich on runway 28, the aircraft climbs westward with the Swiss Alps and pre-Alps visible to the south, giving passengers on the left a sweeping view of peaks like the Bernese Alps before the plane turns northwest toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Bernese Alps foothills, Swiss Plateau farmland, Jura mountains in the distance.
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. On approach into Philadelphia landing west on runway 27L/27R, the flight path crosses the Delaware River and skirts north of the city, giving right-side passengers a view of the Philadelphia skyline and the river bends before touchdown. Notable sights include: Delaware River, Philadelphia skyline (Comcast Center, City Hall), Camden waterfront, suburban New Jersey shoreline.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Philadelphia?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Philadelphia International (PHL) takes 8h 45m.
What does the Zurich to Philadelphia flight path pass over?
The great-circle route passes near southern Ireland, then crosses the North Atlantic south of Greenland, over the Grand Banks near Newfoundland, and along the coast of Nova Scotia and Maine before descending into the northeastern United States.