Loading map...
PHF → PHL
Which side of the plane to sit from Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (Newport News) to Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more diverse view of the Mid-Atlantic landscape, featuring the historic Virginia Peninsula, the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, and the urban skylines of Baltimore and Philadelphia.
York River
Visible almost immediately after takeoff, showcasing the northern border of the Virginia Peninsula.
Colonial Williamsburg
Look down quickly after departure to see the layout of the historic colonial capital.
Potomac River Mouth
A massive water crossing as the flight transitions from Virginia airspace into Maryland.
Baltimore Skyline
Distant views of the Inner Harbor and downtown skyscrapers as you pass west of the city.
Susquehanna River
The wide river mouth at the northern tip of the Chesapeake Bay near Havre de Grace.
Philadelphia Skyline
On final approach, catch a view of Center City's skyscrapers and the Schuylkill River.
The left side is superior for sunset flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep your eyes peeled immediately after takeoff for the Yorktown battlefield and historical sites. During the descent into PHL, the left side often gets a spectacular 'fly-by' view of the Philadelphia skyline if the aircraft is landing on the 27 runways.
Bay Bridge-Tunnel
If the flight path tracks slightly east, look south to see the massive 17-mile engineering marvel.
Delmarva Peninsula
Aerial views of the rural farmland and marshy wetlands of the Eastern Shore.
Delaware Bay
A broad expanse of water separating Delaware from New Jersey during the mid-flight cruise.
Cape May
On clear days, the southern tip of New Jersey is visible across the mouth of the Delaware Bay.
Port of Wilmington
See the massive container ships and industrial infrastructure along the Delaware River.
The right side is perfect for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Atlantic and the Chesapeake. It offers the most consistent water views of the Bay. Watch for the intricate patterns of the Maryland and Virginia marshes, which look particularly beautiful during the golden hour when the light catches the tide pools.
Distance: 324 km (201 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 32 min
Departure: PHF (37.13190079, -76.49299622)
Arrival: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.