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PHL → HPN
Which side of the plane to sit from Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia) to Westchester County Airport (White Plains)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a premier vantage point of the iconic Manhattan skyline and the scenic Hudson River Valley during the final descent phase into White Plains.
Manhattan Skyline
Unparalleled views of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Central Park as you track north past New York City.
George Washington Bridge
A clear view of the massive suspension bridge connecting New Jersey to Upper Manhattan.
The Palisades
Dramatic steep cliffs along the western side of the lower Hudson River.
Princeton University
Look for the gothic architecture of the campus while passing over central New Jersey.
Tappan Zee Bridge
The expansive Mario Cuomo Bridge spanning one of the widest points of the Hudson River.
Sit on the left for the best chance to see NYC. On clear evenings, the city lights are spectacular. This route is very short, so keep your window shade up from takeoff to landing to see the rapid transition from urban Philly to the Hudson Valley.
Philadelphia Skyline
Immediately after takeoff from PHL, you can often see Center City and the Comcast Center towers.
New York Harbor
A distant view of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the busy shipping lanes of the harbor.
Long Island Sound
As the plane turns toward HPN, the sparkling waters of the Sound and the North Shore of Long Island come into view.
Westchester Estates
The lush, wooded rolling hills and large residential estates of lower Westchester County.
The right side is better for seeing the Philadelphia skyline during the initial climb. It also offers a peaceful view of the Long Island Sound shoreline during the final approach. Morning flights on this side will face away from the direct sun, reducing glare.
Distance: 186 km (116 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 19 min
Departure: PHL (39.87189865112305, -75.24109649658203)
Arrival: HPN (41.06700134277344, -73.70760345458984)
Route Type: Domestic
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