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CAE → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Columbia) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side dominates this route with expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay and the most iconic aerial perspective of the Philadelphia skyline upon arrival.
Carolina Pine Barrens
Vast stretches of coastal forest and agricultural mosaics typical of the Atlantic plain.
Chesapeake Bay
The stunning scale of the world-famous estuary with its complex network of inlets and islands.
Bay Bridge
The impressive twin-bridge spans connecting Sandy Point to Kent Island across the bay.
Delaware River Corridor
Active shipping lanes and industrial history lining the approach into the Philadelphia metro area.
Center City Skyline
Unrivaled views of the Comcast Center and Liberty Place skyscrapers during the final approach into PHL.
The right side is essential for sunset flights to catch reflections off the Chesapeake Bay. When landing at PHL, planes often follow the Delaware River, placing the Philadelphia skyline directly in your window. Keep your camera ready as you pass over the Maryland-Delaware border.
Piedmont Plateau
Rolling greenery and undulating terrain of the Appalachian foothills stretching toward Virginia.
Richmond Skyline
A clear view of the James River and the urban center of Virginia's historic capital city.
Washington D.C. Distance
Visibility of the National Mall and the Potomac River basin to the east on clear days.
Baltimore Inner Harbor
Dense urban architecture and the bustling port area of Maryland's historic waterfront.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side offers better views of the inland cities and the edge of the Appalachian range. Look for the distinct curve of the James River about halfway through the flight.
Distance: 841 km (523 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 24 min
Departure: CAE (33.93880081176758, -81.11949920654297)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
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