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PHL → CHS
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Charleston Air Force Base-International Airport (Charleston)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the stunning Mid-Atlantic coastline, featuring the intricate inlets of the Chesapeake Bay and the iconic barrier islands of the Outer Banks.
Delaware Bay
View the wide expanse where the Delaware River meets the Atlantic, often dotted with cargo ships.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Visible as a thin line crossing the mouth of the bay near Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
The Outer Banks
The dramatic, thin ribbon of barrier islands including Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras stretching into the ocean.
Pamlico Sound
A massive lagoon between the North Carolina mainland and the Outer Banks, showing distinct water color shifts.
Myrtle Beach
The 'Grand Strand' coastline is clearly visible with its high-rise hotels and white sandy beaches.
Charleston Harbor
On final descent, look for Fort Sumter and the iconic Ravenel Bridge spanning the Cooper River.
For the best experience, book a morning flight to see the sunrise over the Atlantic, though be prepared for glare. During the summer, look for the 'turquoise' glow of the shallower coastal waters. The left side is consistently superior for coastal landmarks regardless of the specific approach pattern into CHS.
Wilmington & Delaware River
Initial views of the industrial landscapes and urban centers of northern Delaware.
Distal DC/Baltimore
On clear days, the urban density of the Baltimore-Washington corridor is visible on the horizon.
The James River
Watch the winding path of this historic river as it flows through central Virginia.
Piedmont Forests
Deep green expanses of pine and hardwood forests typical of the North and South Carolina interior.
Lowcountry Topography
As you descend, notice the shift to the flat, marshy plains and agricultural grids of South Carolina.
The right side is the 'cool' side for afternoon flights, as it will be shaded from the direct sun. It offers a better perspective of the vast Appalachian foothills in the far distance on exceptionally clear days. During autumn, the inland forests provide a beautiful patchwork of changing colors.
Distance: 886 km (551 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 29 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: CHS (32.89860153, -80.04049683)
Route Type: Domestic
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