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ATH → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers consistent indirect lighting on this westbound flight, preventing glare while providing the best chance to see the rugged Canadian coast and potential views of the New York City skyline during the descent.
Pindus Mountains
The rugged northern mountain ranges of Greece and the Balkan Peninsula early in the flight.
German Countryside
Organized patchwork fields and forests of Central Europe as the plane heads northwest.
Newfoundland Coastline
The first sight of North America, featuring the rocky, ice-carved shores of Eastern Canada.
NYC Skyline
On clear days during the descent, a distant view of the Manhattan skyline is often visible as the plane nears New Jersey.
Delaware River
A close-up view of the bridges and Philadelphia waterfront during the final approach into PHL.
The right side is ideal for photography because the sun remains on the opposite side of the aircraft, providing soft, even lighting. Approximately 7 to 8 hours into the flight, look out for the dramatic landscapes of Newfoundland. During the final 30 minutes, stay alert for landmarks along the US East Coast and the industrial beauty of the Delaware River valley.
Saronic Gulf
Aerial views of the Greek coast and the Peloponnese peninsula shortly after takeoff from Athens.
Swiss and French Alps
Dramatic views of the highest European peaks if the flight path tracks across Central Europe.
French Atlantic Coast
The transition from the European mainland to the vast Atlantic Ocean over the coast of Brittany.
Since this is a daytime westbound flight, the sun will be positioned on the left side for the duration of the journey. Be prepared for significant glare and heat; keep your window shade partially closed during the mid-flight crossing. This side is better for seeing the initial departure from Greece and the southern stretches of the Alps.
Distance: 8,083 km (5,023 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 31 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: International
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