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PHF → SFB
Which side of the plane to sit from Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (Newport News) to Orlando Sanford International Airport (Sanford)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Atlantic coastline, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and the intricate sea islands of the Lowcountry.
Chesapeake Bay Mouth
Witness the transition where the James River and Chesapeake Bay meet the open Atlantic Ocean shortly after departure.
The Outer Banks
The thin, sandy barrier islands of North Carolina, including Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras, are often visible stretching out into the sea.
The Grand Strand
View the long, continuous stretch of beach and high-rise skyline belonging to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Lowcountry Marshes
Observe the complex network of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and sea islands surrounding Hilton Head and Savannah.
St. Augustine
As you descend into Florida, look for the historic fort and inlet of the nation's oldest city along the coast.
Sit on the left for the best coastal scenery. Morning flights provide a beautiful sunrise over the ocean, though glare can be intense. Afternoon flights offer the best lighting for photographing the beaches and barrier islands without the sun directly in your window. Watch for the distinct turquoise waters near the Florida state line.
Great Dismal Swamp
A massive, mysterious forested wetland straddling the Virginia and North Carolina border visible early in the flight.
Lake Moultrie and Marion
These large man-made reservoirs in South Carolina serve as excellent inland navigational landmarks.
Okefenokee Edge
The northern edge of the vast wetlands near the Georgia-Florida border showcases dense cypress forests and dark water.
Orlando Suburbs
During the final approach into Sanford, view the sprawling residential developments and numerous small lakes of Central Florida.
The right side is preferable for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun reflecting off the Atlantic. This side provides a better view of the dense Southern pine forests and the grid-like agricultural patterns of the coastal plains. It also offers a bird's-eye view of the 'Lakes Region' of Florida during the descent.
Distance: 1,029 km (639 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: PHF (37.13190079, -76.49299622)
Arrival: SFB (28.7775993347168, -81.23750305175781)
Route Type: Domestic
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