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PHL → BCN
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Barcelona International Airport (Barcelona)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is generally superior for this transatlantic route, providing potential views of the NYC skyline upon departure, the rugged French coastline at sunrise, and a spectacular descent over the Pyrenees mountains into Catalonia.
Philadelphia Skyline
Excellent views of the Delaware River and Center City Philly immediately after takeoff.
NYC & Long Island
On clear nights, the glowing grid of Manhattan and the long stretch of the Atlantic coast are visible to the north.
Newfoundland Coast
Potential sightings of the rugged, icy coast of Canada before the deep ocean crossing begins.
Brittany Coastline
The first sights of Europe typically include the rocky peninsulas of northwest France at daybreak.
Pyrenees Mountains
A breathtaking view of the high peaks dividing France and Spain during the initial descent.
Costa Brava
The turquoise waters and rocky coves of the northern Spanish coast as the plane nears Barcelona.
Select a seat forward of the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Pyrenees. This is an eastbound overnight flight, so the left side stays in the shade during the morning arrival, reducing glare on your windows for photography of the French and Spanish landscapes.
Jersey Shore
Bird's-eye views of Atlantic City and the New Jersey coastline during the climb out.
Atlantic Sunrise
A front-row seat to a brilliant sunrise over the horizon while crossing the mid-Atlantic.
Balearic Sea
Deep blue Mediterranean vistas as the aircraft maneuvers for its final approach.
Port of Barcelona
Close-up views of the massive container ships and cruise liners docked at the city's edge.
Montjuïc Hill
Views of the historic fortress and the 1992 Olympic stadium during the final seconds of flight.
The right side is the 'sunny side' during arrival; keep your window shade down during the middle of the flight to sleep, but open it for a spectacular sunrise. On the final approach into BCN, if the plane lands from the south, the right side often catches a glimpse of the Sagrada Família and the city's grid layout.
Distance: 6,300 km (3,915 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 7 hrs 25 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: BCN (41.2971, 2.07846)
Route Type: International
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