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PHL → BHM
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (Birmingham)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the dramatic Appalachian mountain ranges, the Shenandoah Valley, and the rugged terrain of the Southern Highlands throughout the flight.
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Appalachian Ridges
Spectacular views of the unique ridge-and-valley formations stretching across Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Shenandoah National Park
Aerial perspective of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the winding Skyline Drive.
Great Smoky Mountains
Visibility of the high peaks along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, often shrouded in their namesake blue mist.
Lookout Mountain
The prominent ridge extending from Chattanooga into Alabama, marking the final approach toward Birmingham.
The right side is the clear winner for geographic interest. For the best lighting on the mountains, book an afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the western slopes. During autumn, this side provides a front-row seat to the changing foliage of the Appalachian chain. Aim for a seat ahead of or well behind the wing for an unobstructed view of the ridges.
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Philadelphia Waterfront
Immediate views of the Delaware River and the South Philadelphia sports complex upon departure.
Chesapeake Bay
Distal views of the upper Chesapeake Bay and its intricate network of Maryland tributaries.
Piedmont Plateau
The transition from urban sprawl to the rolling hills and agricultural patterns of the Virginia and Carolina Piedmont.
Southern Pine Forests
Vast, dense blankets of evergreen forests as the flight enters the northern reaches of Georgia and Alabama.
Choose the left side for morning departures to keep the sun behind you. This side is ideal for spotting the transition from the Mid-Atlantic urban corridor to the deep green landscape of the South. Keep your camera ready during the first 10 minutes for aerial shots of the PHL airport layout.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for United StatesDistance: 1,241 km (771 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: BHM (33.56290054, -86.75350189)
Route Type: Domestic
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