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ORD destination photo
PHL destination photo

ORDPHL

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is the clear winner for this route, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan immediately after takeoff, and the iconic Philadelphia skyline during the final descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Chicago Loop

Unbeatable views of the Willis Tower and the dense cluster of skyscrapers in downtown Chicago shortly after departure.

🌊

Lake Michigan Shoreline

The transition from the urban grid to the vast blue expanse of the lake, often following the Indiana Dunes.

⚓

Lake Erie Horizon

On clear days, the distant southern shoreline of Lake Erie is visible as the flight traverses Northern Ohio.

🏞️

Susquehanna River

Watch for this wide, ancient river carving through the Pennsylvania landscape near Harrisburg.

🌆

Philadelphia Center City

On standard approaches to PHL, the left side provides a close-up view of the Comcast Center and the historic downtown core.

Book a window seat on the left for morning flights to see the sunrise reflecting off the Chicago skyscrapers. For evening arrivals into PHL, the city lights of Philadelphia are best viewed from this side during the base and final legs of the landing pattern.

Right Side Highlights
6.2
🚜

Midwest Farmlands

The highly organized, geometric patterns of Indiana and Ohio's agricultural heartland.

⛰️

Allegheny Mountains

The distinctive 'ridge and valley' formation of the Appalachian Mountains stretching across Central Pennsylvania.

🏛️

Harrisburg & Capitol

Views of the Susquehanna River islands and the green dome of the Pennsylvania State Capitol building.

🚢

Delaware River Ports

Aerial perspectives of the heavy industry and shipping lanes south of Philadelphia during the final approach.

The right side offers great views of the Appalachian ridges. However, on afternoon flights heading east, you may encounter significant sun glare. If the flight approaches PHL from the south over the Delaware Bay, the right side will see the New Jersey coastline and the bridges connecting to Philly.

Top Activities in Philadelphia
Route Information

Distance: 1,088 km (676 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min

Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)

Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)

Route Type: Domestic

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